Bhaderwah/Jammu, Thousands of devotees on Friday gathered at the ancient high altitude Subar-Nag temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district to celebrate 'Nag Baisakhi' festival to welcome spring after a long winter.
The festival began with the opening of the doors of the 12,000-feet-high ancient temple at Subar Dhar, 35 km from Bhaderwah town, officials said.
Hundreds of devotees gathered at the hill top meadow surrounded by snow clad mountains after climbing the steep 12 kilometer hill to have the darshan of Lor Subar Nag. Traditionally devotees used to sacrifice dozens of sheep, but this year due to the ongoing Navratri festival, this ancient tradition was not followed.
Temple chief priest Anil Kumar Raina said after opening the doors this morning, “Devotees from different parts of the valley including Chinta, Bhalara and Sharora arrive here with the sacred mace to seek the blessings of Lord Subhar Nag.,
Local people demand that the spring festival celebrated since ancient times should be brought under pilgrimage tourism.
Sakshi Sharma (23), a pilgrim from Kotli, said, "Not only is it an ancient and historical festival symbolizing the unique Na culture, but the temple is also situated amidst lush green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains."
"Despite having all the ingredients to attract devotees and tourists from across the world, the tourism department and BDA (Bhaderwah Development Authority) have not done anything concrete so far to present it as a pilgrimage site," he said.
He said, "After four months of dull life, during which we mostly stay indoors due to harsh climatic conditions and snow, this festival which symbolizes the new spring season not only refreshes us but also makes us It also gives you a chance to meet your relatives and friends." ,,
According to an official handout, around 12,500 devotees, including 750 women, visited the ancient temple.
To serve community food and keep the high altitude grassland clean and free from plastic waste, the Langar Samiti concern made all the necessary arrangements.NB
The festival began with the opening of the doors of the 12,000-feet-high ancient temple at Subar Dhar, 35 km from Bhaderwah town, officials said.
Hundreds of devotees gathered at the hill top meadow surrounded by snow clad mountains after climbing the steep 12 kilometer hill to have the darshan of Lor Subar Nag. Traditionally devotees used to sacrifice dozens of sheep, but this year due to the ongoing Navratri festival, this ancient tradition was not followed.
Temple chief priest Anil Kumar Raina said after opening the doors this morning, “Devotees from different parts of the valley including Chinta, Bhalara and Sharora arrive here with the sacred mace to seek the blessings of Lord Subhar Nag.,
Local people demand that the spring festival celebrated since ancient times should be brought under pilgrimage tourism.
Sakshi Sharma (23), a pilgrim from Kotli, said, "Not only is it an ancient and historical festival symbolizing the unique Na culture, but the temple is also situated amidst lush green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains."
"Despite having all the ingredients to attract devotees and tourists from across the world, the tourism department and BDA (Bhaderwah Development Authority) have not done anything concrete so far to present it as a pilgrimage site," he said.
He said, "After four months of dull life, during which we mostly stay indoors due to harsh climatic conditions and snow, this festival which symbolizes the new spring season not only refreshes us but also makes us It also gives you a chance to meet your relatives and friends." ,,
According to an official handout, around 12,500 devotees, including 750 women, visited the ancient temple.
To serve community food and keep the high altitude grassland clean and free from plastic waste, the Langar Samiti concern made all the necessary arrangements.NB
