KASHMIR, July 1, 2007: Cutting across religious lines, thousands of Muslims joined Kashmiri Pandits to celebrate the Mela Khanbaran festival of Tripursunderi shrine here, which was reopened after 17 years. Rebuilt by the army and local Muslims in 2002 after the shrine was set afire by militants, the temple was reopened for the festival from June 20 to 24. “It was after 17 years that Khanbaran festival was observed here. Over 10,000 pilgrims, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, took part in the festival. The Tripursunderi temple was also reopened for pilgrims this year,” All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC) Chairman, Vinood Pandit said.
The Tripursunderi shrine, also known as Khanbaran temple, is one of the three important Vaishnavite shrines, besides Ganderbani (Tulmulla)-based Kheerbhawani Shrine and Munzgam (Kulgam) shrine in Kashmir valley. The center of attraction is a deodar tree, which depicts a natural image of a tiger head to which devotees offer vermilion in the hope of fulfilling their wishes and to safeguard their families. Over 7000 Muslims took part in the festival. Some of them also put up stalls of fruits, sweets, toys and prasad, refreshing the memories of participants, who said it used to happen the same way in the past. Speaking about the festival, Army Sector Commander Brig R.S. Rana said, “It is serving as a platform for interaction of Muslims with their Hindu brethren, and with the support of the local community, the festival has been successful.”