Nowdal Teerath Yatra Puja Held in Tral Srinagar

The annual Nowdal Teerath Yatra Puja was held today amidst religious zeal and fervor in southern Tral Town of Pulwama district. The Yatra is celebrated after the culmination of Shri Amarnath pilgrimage on Chaturti of Krishna Paksh of Bader month annually. There is a Shiv Lingam situated at a spring which is worshipped on this very day. On this day, the yatris after their return from Amarnath pilgrimage donate their articles particularly sticks and other items at the Nowdal spring. The festival has always been always celebrated with great fervour. Due to outbreak of the militancy, the Yatra came to a halt but it resumed from year 2010. Prior to militancy, there used to be a mela or fair at the place of Yatra. A member of Nowdal Teerath Committee, which organized the Yatra, told Excelsior that as the situation started to normalize, the migrant Hindus resumed the Yatra with the help of locals. “The locals have always been helpful. It strengthens our brotherhood and connects us with our roots,” he said. This year, nearly 400 devotees from various parts of valley and Jammu attended the Yatra. The locals also participated in the Yatra and greeted their Hindu brethren. The Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Tral Mushtaq Shah and BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Surinder Ambardar also attended the Yatra. The state administration including police had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.