STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Zang Trai, the festival of Kashmiri Pandit community, falling on third Navreh was celebrated on Friday with religious fervour. On the occasion, a grand function was held at Bhagwan Gopinath Ashram, Udheywala, Bohri.
Dr Opendra Krishen Bhat introduced Santosh Shah Nadan, an ardent devotee of Bhagwan, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The programme started with lighting of Jyoti and with offering of flowers at Bhagwan’s photograph kept at Ashram followed by Guru-Vandana. The Chief Guest was decorated with a Shawl. A number of ladies participated in the function and paid obeisance at lotus feet of the Master. Reputed artists namely Deepali Wattal, Ravi Bhan, Shanti Lal Sid, R K. Saproo and others presented melodious devotional songs. Dr Opendra Krishen Bhat conducted the proceedings of the programme.
Meanwhile, Zang Trai function was also organized at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, the Tritiym Tithi of Navratra – Maa Chanderghanta day. The day marks respect for womanhood, an embodiment of Jagat Janani Jagat Amba. It is the day, in ancient Kashmir, when married women used to visit their parent’s house and is now celebrated as women-empowerment day by community. The function was celebrated with great fanfare and gaiety. Dr Usha Tickoo was the Chief Guest over the function, which was presided over by K K Khosa, President of Sabha. The function began with Jyoti Prajulan and offering rose petals to Mata Saraswati by participants. The hymns in praise of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga were recited by renowned Kashmiri artist Dr Deepali Wattal. K K Khosa desired for greater and responsible role of community womenfolk in transforming the community into a model society. He stressed on responsibility of Kashmiri women folk in preserving the Kashmiri culture and language by way of imbibing the practice of conversing in Kashmiri language with younger generation at home. Others present on the occasion included Prof J L Koul, T N Bhat, Ashok Braroo, J L Zutshi, Ashwani Koul, S L Bagati, Ashok Kher, Subash Dhar, Rajinder Tiku, Asha Kitchloo, Jitender Parimoo, Sunil Koul, Deepak Dhar, Kewal Sher, V K Bakshi, Satish Khoda and V K Mukhi. The programme was conducted by Dr Sujata Sathoo and G J Kampassi (Secretary) presented the vote of thanks.
Mata Baderkali Ashtapan Trust Thalwal organised a function to mark celebrations of Zang Trai. Prominent spiritual guru Dr Shiv Prasad Raina while addressing the session, spoke about the rich traditions of Sanatan Dharma and the significant role of the women of our society in maintaining cultural ethos and our centuries-old traditions. A special session was conducted by Kiran Raina, Urmila Pandita, Sunita Raina, Sunita Koul, Pooja and their group about the essence of ‘Thal barun’ and women headgear known as ‘Targa’.
