Watch the annual Havan at the Vasuki Nag Temple in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir where devotees, community members and local residents came together in a celebration rooted in faith, shared memories and Kashmir’s enduring spirit of harmony. For Kamal Jivak, a devotee from Budgam whose father served in the Army, the gathering brought back memories of a Kashmir he knew decades ago. Having completed his education in Srinagar, he recalled visiting the Valley during holidays 50–60 years ago, meeting local people and sharing a close bond with them. He said the love, affection and sense of belonging found in Kashmir are unique, recalling a time when Hindus and Muslims lived as friends and looked out for one another. The Havan at the Vasuki Nag Temple was made possible with the support of the local community, with people coming together to help organise the gathering. For the devotees, the occasion was not only a religious ceremony but also a historic moment of reconnecting with Kashmir and its people. Devotee Mohan Krishan Bhat said the temple and dharamshala were built with the support of the people, and the Havan is performed with prayers for world peace. He described the gathering as an expression of humanity and shared belonging. For Abdul Rasheed, meeting people again after a long time was a deeply meaningful experience, reflecting the personal bonds that continue to connect communities. Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Amir Khan also participated in the occasion and said it was a pleasure to meet community members who had gathered not only from Budgam and other districts of Jammu & Kashmir, but also from outside the Union Territory. He said ensuring the comfort of visitors was a priority and that seeing them happy and satisfied brought great joy. The gathering at Vasuki Nag Temple thus became more than an annual religious observance. It offered a glimpse of Kashmir’s shared cultural heritage, community participation and enduring bonds of affection and harmony. Subscribe to Kashmir Ahead for more stories on Kashmir’s culture, traditions, heritage and the people keeping its shared legacy alive.
