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Srinagar's Raghunath Temple Celebrates Ram Navami After 36-Year Gap

The Raghunath Temple in Srinagar's Habba Kadal celebrated Ram Navami with a grand event, ending a 36-year hiatus for the festival at that location. Sunil Tikoo of the temple committee noted it was the main festival of the temple, once drawing Kashmiri Pandits from across the region. The festival concludes the nine-day Chaitra Navaratri, dedicated to honouring the goddess Shakti and marking the birth of Lord Rama. Concurrently, a massive surge of pilgrims is being witnessed at the Katra base camp for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during Navratri.

Key Points: Ram Navami Celebrated at Srinagar Temple After 36 Years

  • Historic celebration after 36 years
  • Festival marks Lord Ram's birthday
  • Nine-day fast observed as Chaitra Navaratri
  • Massive pilgrim surge at Vaishno Devi
2 min read

J-K: Raghunath Temple in Srinagar celebrates Ram Navami after 36 years

The Raghunath Temple in Srinagar's Habba Kadal held grand Ram Navami celebrations for the first time in 36 years, marking a historic occasion.

"We enjoyed this festival after 36 years, and because of God, everything was possible. - Sunil Tikoo"

Srinagar, March 27

The Raghunath Temple in Srinagar's Habba Kadal marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated Ram Navami after a gap of 36 years, with the temple committee organising a grand celebration.

Sunil Tikoo, General Secretary of the Raghunath Mandir Committee, said that the temple, which once attracted Kashmiri Pandits from across the region for the festival, hosted a grand celebration this year.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Tikoo said, "The main festival of this temple was Ram Navami, and Kashmiri Pandits used to come here from far and wide. This is a very important festival for us, and we enjoyed this festival after 36 years, and because of God, everything was possible."

The nine-day festival, also known as Ram Navratri, concludes on Ram Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Ram. Throughout the festival, all nine days are devoted to honouring the nine incarnations of the goddess Shakti.'

The festival is celebrated with great devotion across India, with rituals and prayers honouring the goddess in her various forms.

Ram Navami is the day when Lord Rama appeared in his human and divine form, and is celebrated with great reverence and festivities all over India, but especially in the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

Leading up to Ram Navami, Hindus observe the 9-day fast during the Chaitra Navaratri, which consists of abstinence from alcohol, smoking, consumption of sattvic vegetarian food and immersing oneself in prayer and meditation to let the body go through a process of detoxification.

Meanwhile, a Shobha Yatra was organised in Jammu to mark the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.

A massive surge of pilgrims is being witnessed at the Katra base camp as devotees continue to arrive in large numbers to offer prayers at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during the ongoing Chaitra Navratri festival.

According to the officials, the constant flow of pilgrims has sustained a vibrant and devotional atmosphere at the base camp. Katra, the base camp of the holy Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, is witnessing such a massive surge of devotees as the ongoing Navratri festival has drawn pilgrims across the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A truly historic moment for Kashmiriyat. The celebration after such a long gap shows that the fabric of shared culture in the valley is being rewoven. May this festival bring peace and prosperity to all communities in Jammu & Kashmir.
R
Rahul R
While this is positive news, we must remember that true normalcy will only return when every displaced Kashmiri Pandit feels safe enough to go back and celebrate in their homeland, not just once, but every year. The government's focus should remain on sustainable rehabilitation.
A
Aman W
The surge in pilgrims at Vaishno Devi and now this in Srinagar! Chaitra Navratri is truly uniting devotees across the country. It's heartening to see such devotion. The atmosphere in Katra must be electric!
M
Michael C
As someone who has visited Kashmir, this is wonderful to read. The region's beauty is in its diverse cultural tapestry. Restoring these traditions is key for its future tourism and social harmony. More power to the temple committee for organizing this.
K
Kavya N
After the landmark Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, this feels like another spiritual milestone this year. Ram Navami blessings are reaching every corner of Bharat. 🎉 The description of the 9-day fast and detox is so accurate - it's a time for inner cleansing as much as celebration.

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