Anantnag, Jun 10 (KNO): An emotionally charged homecoming unfolded at the historic Martand Sun Temple in Mattan in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Wednesday as a group of overseas Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom have spent the last 36 years away from their homeland, returned to Kashmir under the ongoing Pragaash Heritage Tour.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the delegation, comprising Kashmiri Pandits settled in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as in cities including Mumbai, Delhi and other parts of India, visited the ancient temple complex and expressed deep emotions while reconnecting with the land of their ancestors.
For many members of the group, it was their first visit to Kashmir in over three decades. The occasion was marked by nostalgia, reflection and a profound sense of belonging as they revisited places linked to their childhood memories and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, several visitors said that despite building lives in different parts of the world, their emotional bond with Kashmir has remained unbroken.
"We may be living in the UK, USA, Mumbai, Delhi and elsewhere with many houses, but our hearts continue to beat for Kashmir. This land is our home, and we still dream of living here," they said.
The visiting Pandits said the fragrance of their homeland and the emotional attachment to their roots cannot be replaced by any material comfort elsewhere.
"Whatever happened in the past, we do not carry feelings of revenge or bitterness in our hearts. We only wish for peace and coexistence. There is something unique about the soil of one's homeland. The connection with Kashmir is beyond words," they said.
The visitors appreciated the warmth, affection and hospitality extended by residents during their stay. They described the reception accorded to them by their Muslim brethren as heartening and reflective of Kashmir's centuries-old tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect.
According to the participants, the affection and welcome they received reinforced their faith in the values of brotherhood, coexistence and social unity that have historically defined Kashmir's cultural fabric.
Reflecting on the changes witnessed over the decades, members of the delegation observed that Kashmir has experienced significant development and transformation in various sectors over the last 36 years. They noted improvements in infrastructure and public facilities while expressing hope that peace and stability would continue to strengthen across the region.
At the same time, they said that incidents such as the last year's attack in Pahalgam continue to cause concern and underscore the need for sustained efforts to preserve peace and ensure a secure future for all communities.
The heritage tour, aimed at reconnecting members of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community with their cultural, religious and historical roots, is being organised with the support and cooperation of several Hindu religious and cultural organisations.
The participants are also scheduled to take part in a major gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar in the coming days, where issues related to cultural preservation, community engagement and strengthening ties with the homeland are expected to be discussed.
Members of the Martand Trust, Mattan, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and conveyed their best wishes for the success of the heritage tour. They described the visit as an important step towards fostering understanding, preserving heritage and strengthening the bonds that connect Kashmiris across generations and geographical boundaries—(KNO)