Hindu jatha leaves for Pakistan to go to Katas Raj temples to have a good time Maha Shivratri
GS Paul
Amritsar, February 16
Round 60 members of Hindu Jatha from India crossed over to Pakistan on a six-day pilgrimage to have a good time Maha Shivratri at Shree Katas Raj cluster of temples in Pakistan, underneath the banner of Kendriya Sanatan Dharam Sabha, by means of Attari-Wagah border right this moment.
Resentment prevailed among the many devotees towards the Pakistan authorities for being robust on granting visas. Some have been left disillusioned as they have been both denied visa or needed to skip the journey as a consequence of late intimation.
Some pilgrims from far off locations like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan needed to cancel their prepare bookings and organized expensive flights to affix the jatha members to depart from Amritsar.
Some pilgrims reached the Durgiana Mandir a day previous to their departure for pilgrimage to Pakistan. Some later joined them on the Attari border straight.
Durgiana Mandir Committee’s president Luxmi Kanta Chawla mentioned that it was a pity that in a rustic with a inhabitants of 140 crore, the Hindu jatha’s energy could be in a whole bunch.
“The pilgrimage is deliberate with the advice of the Union authorities. I search Centre’s intervention to request that on the traces of Sikh pilgrimage tour, which might be between 2000-3000, the Hindu non secular tour also needs to comprise at the very least 1000 devotees. Additionally, it needs to be ensured that the Pakistan authorities ought to make satisfactory preparations for the keep and meals for the pilgrims,” she mentioned.
Tarlok Chand, who has been to Hindu shrines in Pakistan ceaselessly and led the jatha, appealed to the Pakistan Excessive Fee to be liberal in granting visas. “We had submitted functions for 135 devotees to the Pakistan authorities, however solely 114 visas have been granted. Most amongst them couldn’t be part of us as they belonged to far off locations and acquired late visa affirmation,” he mentioned.
He additionally appealed to the Pakistan authorities to furnish the visa course of upfront, in order that an increasing number of pilgrims may fulfill their aspirations to go to Hindu shrines situated on the opposite aspect of India-Pakistan border.
“There are various shrines related to Sanatan Dharam which weren’t allowed to be visited by the Pakistan authorities. Our entry could be restricted to Lahore solely to go to Katas Raj temples or shrines situated over there. I attraction to the Pakistan authorities to increase the entry of pilgrims and streamline the visa formalities,” he mentioned.
In the meantime, after crossing the Attari-Wagah border on foot right this moment, the pilgrims would have their night time keep at Lahore. Subsequent day, they would depart for Shree Katas Raj temples situated in Chakwal district by street and have a day’s halt after paying obeisance. On February 18, the primary event of ‘Shivratri Utsav’ could be celebrated in Shree Amarkund and ‘havan’ could be held at Katas Raj temples. Within the night, deepmala and fireworks could be displayed. On February 19, they’d come again to Lahore the place pooja and celebrations could be held in Shree Krishna Jee Mandir and go to different Hindu temples. On February 21, the devotees would participate within the pooja at Shree Luv Maharaj Samadhi in outdated Shahi Qila at Lahore. A day after, they’d return by means of the Attari-Wagah border solely.