𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐢 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬

Bandipora, May 27 — The Shri Nand Kishore Temple in Sumbal, located in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, reopened its doors on Tuesday after remaining closed for more than 30 years. The temple, which had been shut since the early 1990s due to the onset of militancy in the region, welcomed nearly 300 Kashmiri Pandits from across the country who gathered to reconnect with their heritage and offer prayers.

The reopening took place on the auspicious occasion of Shri Nand Kishore’s birth anniversary, adding a layer of spiritual and emotional depth for the devotees. Many among them were returning to the temple — and their ancestral land — for the first time in over three decades, leading to deeply emotional scenes at the site.

“For us, this is far more than just a religious event,” said one returning devotee. “It’s about reclaiming our identity and reconnecting with our roots. This moment fills a long-standing void in our lives.”

A heartening highlight of the event was the role played by the local Muslim community, who had safeguarded the temple during years of conflict. Despite the exodus of Pandits in the 1990s, Muslim families ensured that the structure was neither damaged nor encroached upon.

“The fact that they preserved the temple all these years shows the strength of our shared humanity,” said another devotee. “It gives us hope for the future.”

Local Muslims also joined in welcoming the visiting Pandits and offered assistance in organising the gathering. The gesture was widely appreciated as a sign of enduring communal harmony.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, the Bandipora district administration and J&K Police put comprehensive security measures in place. Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Qadri visited the site and interacted with attendees, reaffirming the administration’s support for such unifying events.

“This is part of our commitment to strengthening community ties and promoting mutual respect,” Qadri said.

The day saw devotees lighting lamps, reciting prayers, and taking part in special religious ceremonies. Many brought along their children, offering them a glimpse into a part of their cultural and familial legacy they had never seen.

Several of the visiting Pandits expressed interest in returning more frequently, encouraged by the support and warmth shown by locals. Organisers hope the event serves as a model for reconciliation and community-led healing in the region.