Kashmiri Pandits rejoice as Havan takes place in Srinagar temple after 32 years

Kashmiri Pandits in Srinagar rejoiced on January 6 as a ‘Havan’ was performed at an ancient temple after over three decades. The religious ceremony took place at the Anandeshwar Bhairavnath temple located in Maisuma locality for the first time since terrorism plagued Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s.

Officials said that the temple, which is more than 300 years old, was closed for many years due to terrorism in the region. With terror activities down to a minimum since the abrogation of Article 370, an official said that the Havan and a grand puja was organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Bhairavnath. 

VIDEO | Kashmiri Pandits express their happiness as they perform 'hawan' at Mausima Temple in #Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, after over 35 years.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/B6zw3T2Iat

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Over 150 people were invited to the temple on the occasion. 

Hira Lal, a member of the temple trust, said, "Havan and puja were organised at the temple after around 32 years because the temple was closed for several years due to the prevailing situation." He also said that the police, civil administration and the local residents extended full support for the havan.

After the religious ceremony, Prasad was distributed among devotees and CRPF jawans deployed at the temple.