Srinagar, September 4, 2025 – In a poignant display of cultural revival and interfaith harmony, a symbolic Ganesh Visarjan ceremony was performed in the Kishenganga River at the Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal, Kashmir, marking a significant moment for devotees and border communities. The event, held from the iconic Whiteline Bridge – a structure divided equally and jointly manned by the Indian and Pakistani armies – unfolded after a special puja at the Sharda Temple, drawing attention to the region’s rich spiritual heritage despite its sensitive geopolitical location.The ceremony was led by Ravinder Pandita, head of the Save Sharda Committee, who was accompanied by Kupwara Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse. This gathering highlighted efforts to promote border tourism and revive ancient traditions in the area, as emphasized by DC Suse during the proceedings. “This is a great moment for all of us,” Pandita shared in a post on X, underscoring the emotional resonance of the event. The ritual immersion, or Visarjan, of Lord Ganesha’s idol into the flowing waters of the Kishenganga River symbolized the deity’s return to his divine abode, with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” echoing across the bridge
.A Sacred Ritual at the Edge of the Border
The Ganesh Visarjan took place on the heels of the annual Sharda Divas celebrations at the Sharda Temple in LoC Teetwal, Kashmir. Devotees, including local residents and pilgrims, participated in a Shobha Yatra from the temple to the Whiteline Bridge, replicating the historic Sharda Peeth pilgrimage route. The Sharda Temple, reconstructed and inaugurated in 2023, serves as a base camp for the ancient Sharada Peeth – a revered center of learning and one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peeths dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (also known as Sharda Mata). The original site lies across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), making such events a powerful assertion of cultural continuity.DC Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, who joined Pandita for the Visarjan, spoke to the media about the significance of the occasion. “On the occasion of the annual Sharda Devi celebration, I got a chance to visit Teetwal village and seek the blessings of Mata Sharda.
As the Ganesh Utsav is also going on, today we did a symbolic immersion of Ganesh ji,” he said. The event was attended by hundreds of Sharda followers, blending the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi with the reverence for Sharda Mata, fostering a sense of unity in a region often marked by division.The Whiteline Bridge, a historic crossing point rebuilt in 1988 after being destroyed in the 1947-48 conflicts, stands as a stark reminder of the shared yet divided history between India and Pakistan. The bridge connects the Srinagar-Sopore-Tangdhar-Teetwal road on the Indian side to the Muzaffarabad-Naushehra-Kundal Shahi road on the Pakistani side. Armies from both nations exchange sweets during festivals, symbolising brief moments of goodwill. The Kishenganga River, originating from Krishansar Lake near Sonamarg and flowing through Gurez and Tulail valleys before forming part of the LoC, holds immense religious importance for Hindus. It is associated with ancient pilgrimages to Sharada Peeth and is revered in texts like Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, where it is referred to as the Sindhu.
Reviving Traditions in a Sensitive Border Zone
Teetwal, a small village in Kupwara district situated 82 km from the district headquarters and directly on the banks of the Kishenganga River, has long been a trade and pilgrimage hub along the ancient Silk Route. However, its proximity to the LoC – bordering the Pakistani village of Chilehana – has restricted access, requiring special permits for visitors. The reconstruction of the Sharda Temple in 2023, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 22 during Chaitra Navratri, was a landmark effort by the Save Sharda Committee and local communities, including Muslim residents who donated land for the project.This Ganesh Visarjan aligns with broader initiatives to reclaim and promote Kashmir’s pluralistic heritage. Pandita, a J&K State Republic Day award winner in 2023 for his work with the Save Sharda Committee, has been instrumental in reviving the Sharda pilgrimage traditions halted since 1947 due to the partition and subsequent conflicts.
The event also coincides with ongoing Ganesh Utsav celebrations across Kashmir, including historic revivals by the Kashmiri Pandit community in Srinagar after 35 years, where idols were immersed in the Jhelum River.DC Suse highlighted the potential for border tourism, noting, “Sharda Mata is a symbol of faith; we are trying to promote border tourism.” The ceremony not only boosted local morale but also showcased eco-friendly practices, with the symbolic immersion emphasizing environmental consciousness during festivals.
Challenges and Hopes for the FutureAccess to Teetwal remains regulated due to its strategic location, with visitors needing e-permits from the Kupwara District Magistrate’s office via the portal. Only Indian citizens are allowed, and foreigners are prohibited. The area features basic accommodations like homestays and government rest houses, with travel from Srinagar taking about 5-6 hours via Tangdhar and the Sadhna Pass.Despite the ceasefire along the LoC, the region faces security challenges, including the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) fencing. Yet, events like this Ganesh Visarjan demonstrate resilience and a push for cultural diplomacy.
Advocates like Pandita call for reopening the full Sharda Peeth pilgrimage on the lines of the Kartarpur Corridor, urging amendments to LoC permit rules for cross-border cultural tourism.As the idol merged with the Kishenganga’s waters, the ceremony ended on a note of optimism, with participants expressing hopes for peace and preserved heritage. “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” they chanted, invoking blessings for prosperity and unity. This event at the LoC Teetwal Kashmir not only celebrated Lord Ganesha but also reaffirmed the enduring spirit of devotion in one of India’s most contested frontiers.
