Foundation Stone of Ganesh Mandir Laid at Vessu Pandit Colony

Swami Govind Anand Saraswati Maharaj on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of a new Ganesh Mandir at the Migrant Colony in Vessu, Qazigund, South Kashmir. The ceremony, held alongside Navratri Puja and Hawan, was attended by a large number of community members and devotees.

Speaking to media on the occasion, Swami Govind Anand Saraswati Maharaj welcomed the construction of permanent quarters for over 400 Kashmiri Pandit families who have been residing in the colony since 2010. He said, “It has been 15 years in temporary shelters. Now that new permanent quarters are being constructed, it is essential to have a temple before families are shifted. I also appeal to Pandits living outside the Valley to return, as the situation is improving.” The Swami also expressed gratitude to the Central Government, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while seeking more support for the community.

Sunny Raina, President of Vessu Pandit Colony, also thanked the authorities and said, “After 15 years, the foundation of this temple is a historic moment for us. It will be the first temple for our community here and will also serve pilgrims arriving for the Shri Amarnath Yatra.”

The Ganesh Mandir, once completed, is expected to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for Kashmiri Pandits in South Kashmir, marking an important step in the community’s journey of revival.