Kavinder attends culmination ceremony of Banmass-Malmass festival at Mattan

Takes stock of ensuing Amarnath Yatra arrangements

ANANTNAG, JUNE 13: Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta today visited historic Sun Temple at Mattan in South Kashmir and participated in the concluding cerebrations of month-long Banmass–Malmass festival, which culminated here today with religious rituals.

Thousands of devotees from across the country participated in the concluding event, had a holy dip in the sacred Sarovar and paid homage to their forefathers and dear ones. There was huge rush at the Martand (Surya Temple) and Purohits facilitated the devotees in offering special prayers, immersing Pinds in the Sarovar in the memory of their forefathers for the ultimate peace to their souls (Moksha), which is a centuries old tradition in the Hindu religion. Pertinently, this special festival is celebrated after every 2 and half years for a period of one month and more than one lakh devotees from across the country have participated in this year’s festive.

 The Deputy Chief Minister paid obeisance at the temple and Gurdwara and interacted with the visiting devotees and members of the Temple Management (Purohits), Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee and enquired about the facilities put in place by the administration. He also had a detailed account of activities on this month-long festival from the administration and called for further improving facilities according to the flow of pilgrims/devotees which increases every year.

DC Anantnag Mohammad Younus Mallik and other concerned officers of the administration accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the visit.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister chaired a meeting of district administration regarding the arrangements of ensuing Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He directed the Deputy Commissioner (Yatra Officer) to ensure all arrangements for the smooth conduct of annual yatra well in advance. He called for a well-knit strategy and a coordinated approach so that all agencies involved in the yatra ensure their best assigned role to make this annual event a success.