For the first time in over three decades, chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echoed once more through the pine-covered slopes of Brariangan, a village nestled in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. At the heart of it stood the Uma Bhagwati Mandir, decked in flowers and lights, where faith bridged a 30-year gap and reunited communities.
On Sunday, Ram Navami was celebrated at the temple, with Hindus performing rituals while local Muslims lent a hand in the arrangements — a moment described as “historic” by those who had once called the village home.
“I spent my childhood here for 12-13 years, and those memories are still very fresh. After that, I travelled across the country, and the life of migrants that we still live today is quite challenging,” said Yajin Bhatt, President of the Uma Bhagwati Mandir, who returned to take part in the celebration.
For Bhatt, the return of festivities symbolised something greater — a long-overdue homecoming. “The analysis of the so-called intellectuals suggests that neither the Kashmiri Hindu youth nor the new generation of Kashmir’s Muslims are interested in living around each other, but it feels absolutely wrong,” he said.
He added, “Everybody is welcoming the way they were 35 years ago when we left the valley. What is happening is that people are going back to their roots, and everyone wants to connect with the origin.”
The day was not just a religious celebration, but also a testament to harmony, as members of the Muslim community participated in the occasion and contributed generously.
“Today, Muslims also participated, which is very good. Muslim brothers have also made donations, which is a wonderful thing,” Bhatt said, recalling how some had extended support even in earlier years.
“They have now decided to build a room where people don’t have to stay in tents. At least 50-60 people can gather in one place,” he said, expressing gratitude for the gesture and calling it “a very big thing.”
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