Maha Navami celebrated with devotion in Kashmir
Arjumand Shah
Srinagar, Oct 1 (KINS): Amid chants of hymns and fragrance of incense, Kashmiri Pandits observed Maha Navami with traditional fervor across temples in the Valley on Wednesday.
At the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar and the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine in Ganderbal, devotees gathered since early morning to offer prayers to Goddess Durga. The rituals included havan, recitation of Durga Saptashati, and distribution of prasad.
“Maha Navami has special significance for us. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and fills us with spiritual strength,” Rajesh, a devotee who attended the prayers at Shankaracharya Temple told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Families performed kanjak puja at homes, where young girls were worshipped as embodiments of the goddess. “This tradition connects us to our roots. Even though our community has gone through challenges, such festivals keep our culture alive,” said Sunita, a resident of Anantnag.
The day also saw Kashmiri Pandits organizing community feasts at temples in Anantnag, Baramulla, and Jammu (for the displaced families). Cultural programmes featuring devotional songs and bhajans were held in various community halls.
“For us, Maha Navami is not just a festival; it’s a reaffirmation of faith. It is heartening to see temples here filled with devotees, especially young children learning about the rituals,” said Ashok Bhat.
Security was heightened around major temples in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, officials said.
Maha Navami, celebrated on the ninth day of Navratri, honors Goddess Durga’s fierce form and is considered one of the most auspicious days of the festival. (KINS)
