Srinagar, Mar 26 (PTI): The Raghunath Mandir in the Habba Kadal area of the city came to life on Thursday, as Hindu devotees were joined by their Muslim neighbours for the first Ram Navami pooja at the century-old temple in 36 years.

Although renovation and restoration work are still underway, the temple management committee organised the pooja to mark Ram Navami.

"The Ram Navami pooja is being held at this temple for the first time in 36 years. Some of us have come from Jammu, but there are so many across the country and abroad who supported the restoration works by donating," said Sunil Kumar, general secretary of the management committee.

He mentioned that the "Murti Sthapana" (installation of the idol) at the temple could not take place due to the ongoing work.

Regarding the potential return of Kashmiri Pandit migrants to the valley, Kumar stated that such a return would not be possible without the support of the Kashmiri Muslim community. "It would not take even a year for the government to rehabilitate us, but Kashmiri Muslims need to support our return," he emphasised.

Ghulam Hassan, a local Muslim, was also present at the temple to join the celebrations. "Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims are brothers. We have lived together for decades," he said.

Special prayers were held at various temples in the city, including the Shankaracharya temple, to celebrate Ram Navami. Tourists and security forces joined the small local Hindu population in the festivities.

(PTI)

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.