15, Jun 2015

Now, That’s India For You!
Mugdha Kapoor
June 15, 2015
India is a country of many religions, it is culturally diverse and its strength lies in its diversity. The many traditions, customs, languages, scripts, dialects make one nation, that is – India.
This unity in diversity was at display in J&K when at an annual fair at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Muslims made the arrangements for their Hindu brethren. The fair which draws a large number of devotees mostly involves heavy participation from displaced Kashmiri Hindus.
The one striking thing about this three-day festival was when the visiting Hindu tourists were moved to tears seeing the warmth shown by Muslim organisers.
The temple is dedicated to Rajnya Devi, a revered goddess of Kashmiri Hindus. Every year, devotees throng the temple to pay tribute to the her. Walking barefoot, they offer milk and kheer (pudding) to the sacred spring, flowing beneath the temple. Later they mingle together and chant hymns in praise of the goddess.
(With input from agencies)