Srinagar, Oct 18: The two-day pilgrimage to the Shri Bala Devi Temple at Balhama in Srinagar, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Kshatriya Samaj, concluded with traditional puja and havan-yagna, with participants calling for the preservation of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage and revival of its ancient pilgrimage links.
Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA Udhampur East, and Zorawar Singh Jamwal, president of Team Jammu, led the pilgrims and participated in the concluding religious ceremonies, as per a statement.
Pathania described Kashmir’s ancient shrines as important repositories of history, culture and spiritual traditions, stressing the need to preserve, document and promote them for future generations.
He said the pilgrimage was part of a broader effort to reconnect people with the region’s historical and spiritual roots, adding that efforts should continue to facilitate pilgrimage to the revered Sharada Peeth in the Neelam Valley of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
“Today, Balhama; tomorrow, Sharada Peeth,” Pathania said, calling for peaceful and sustained efforts to restore pilgrimage links.
Jamwal said ancient shrines and associated traditions represented collective memory and cultural heritage, emphasising the importance of research, conservation and wider public awareness.
The organisers also highlighted the welcome extended to pilgrims by local Muslim residents of Balhama, describing it as an example of communal harmony and coexistence. They stressed that protecting places of worship and respecting different faiths were essential to preserving Kashmir’s shared heritage.
The concluding ceremonies were attended by representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust, senior police and administrative officers, community leaders and local residents. Those present included Dharmarth Trust president Purshotam Pathania, DDC Khanmoh Sheikh Ajaz and retired SP Sewa Singh Mankotia.
The organisers said the annual pilgrimage would continue to promote religious awareness, preserve historical traditions and strengthen inter-community understanding.
