Kashmir: Dashar Maha Kumbh, the religious Kumbh of Kashmiri Hindus took place at Shadipora on Tuesday after 75 long years.

Local Muslims observing fast in the holy month of Ramzan helped scores of excited devotees and Kashmiri Pandits visit Ganderbal. The sacred place is the confluence of two rivers Jehlum and Sindh.

The mela puts all the controversies to rest on the settlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the valley. It is an eye-opener to all those advocating separate townships for Pandits.

“Why is the government talking about separate colonies? We don’t need this. This Mela has taken place after 75 years. Muslims are shoulder to shoulder with us here. They are giving us flowers, they are helping us cross this river on their boats. They are doing all this while fasting. We appeal to everyone to end the hate,” says a Kashmiri Pandit Maharaj Krishan Bhat.

Farooq Ahmad, a hero at the Dashar Maha Kumbh

A devote Muslim fasting during the holy Ramzan season has been helping plenty of devotees cross the river. Farooq Ahmad has ferried pilgrims to sacred Chinar tree.

“We are helping in many ways. Many people are even staying in our houses for last few days. These Pandits should come back,” says Ahmad.

Devotees are happy that they want such events to take place quite often. Events like these increases brotherhood and communal harmony, they say.