The displaced Kashmiri Pandit community is set to celebrate Navreh Mahotsav 2025 in Jammu with a renewed pledge to mark the occasion in the Kashmir Valley next year.
The festival, which signifies the Kashmiri Pandit New Year, falls on March 30 this year, aligning with the first day of the bright half of the Chaitra month (March–April).
Organised by Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, the Mahotsav will be a three-day event dedicated to the rich heritage and cultural legacy of Kashmiri Pandits, as well as their deep-rooted connection to Jammu and Kashmir.
The celebrations will take place from March 29 to March 31, culminating in a grand finale on April 1 at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu. This year’s event holds special significance as it coincides with the 36th anniversary of the community’s forced exodus from the Valley, serving as a powerful testament to their resilience and their continued aspiration to return to their homeland.
The Mahotsav will be structured around three core themes, each dedicated to a significant aspect of Kashmiri heritage. The first day, observed as Tyaag Divas on March 29, will honour Pandit Shreya Bhat, an esteemed physician of ancient times, recognising his contributions to the community.
The second day, Sankalp Divas on March 30, will be dedicated to a collective pledge by Kashmiri Pandits to celebrate Navreh in the Valley in the coming year. The final day, Shaurya Divas on March 31, will commemorate the valor of Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty, a revered Kashmiri king known for his conquests and leadership.
Throughout the festival, a series of community-led events will be held to celebrate the cultural and historical identity of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
The organisers have emphasised that despite being in exile for over three decades, the community remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving its traditions and fostering a connection with its ancestral land.
In addition to on-ground events, the Mahotsav will also feature online essay and short video competitions, designed to engage younger generations and educate them about the inspiring legacies of Pandit Shreya Bhat and Samrat Lalitaditya.
The celebrations will conclude on April 1, with a grand closing ceremony featuring a keynote address by the chief guest, accompanied by cultural performances that reflect the vibrancy of Kashmiri Pandit traditions.
The event is expected to draw significant participation, serving as both a commemoration of past struggles and a reaffirmation of the community’s collective resolve to return to Kashmir.
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