TEETWAL, NOVEMBER 01: Candles & Diya lighting marked Diwali celebrations at the newly constructed Sharda Yatra temple at LoC Teetwal in Kashmir.
A large number of Kashmiri pandits, locals along with army jawans participated and lit oil lamps & candles to celebrate Diwali and distributed sweets. Led by Construction committee member Ajaz Khan, it was as historical as Diwali in Ayodhya.
In a statement Ravinder Pandita conveyed Diwali greetings to all sharda followers across the globe.
“Save Sharda Committee has taken the lead in reconstruction of the temple and Sikh Gurudwara after reclaiming the same last year. Prior to tribal raids in 1947 a Dharmshala and a Sikh gurdwara used to exist in the same plot that was burnt down in the raids. On similar lines, the committee is reconstructing the Sharda temple and Sikh Gurudwara, the construction of which is nearly complete,” said the statement..
It is pertinent to mention that residents and visitors had gathered in large numbers to celebrate Diwali at Ganta Ghar on Thursday evening by lighting lamps.
“We are thankful to the people of Kashmir who supported us and joined in our celebrations,” Munish, a participant, said.
Another enthusiastic participant, Ravi Sharma, said, “This is really Naya Kashmir. Who would have thought we could come to Srinagar and celebrate this great festival? We are grateful to the government for creating this atmosphere and allowing people to freely enjoy and celebrate their festivals.”
The administration, alongside security forces, had worked diligently to ensure the smooth facilitation of the celebrations.
