Houston. More than 150 Kashmiri Hindu families from various regions of Texas gathered at Houston’s ‘Hindu Varship Society’ temple to commemorate Jyeshtha Ashtami and Kheer Bhavani festival. Amidst the Vedic chanting, devotees worshiped Maa Raganya Devi. Kheer, milk, flowers and lamps were offered on the occasion along with traditional rituals. Maa Kheer Bhavani, who is a form of Mata Durga, is worshiped as Kuldevi of Kashmiri Pandits.
Spiritual importance and cultural engagement
Surendra Kaul, who has been living in Houston for more than 35 years, explained the spiritual significance of this festival to the new generation. He said, “This tradition is associated with our soul. These customs remind us of the motherland that we have left due to violence and fear.”
Conservation of Kashmiri culture
Amit Raina, president of ‘Texas Kashmiri fraternity’, said, “Jyeshtha Ashtami is not only a tradition, but a symbol of our faith. Through these festivals we keep the culture of Kashmir alive and connect our children with their roots. Still, the desire to return home is a pain that we feel every day.”
The enthusiasm of the younger generation
In the program, children enthusiastically participated in Ghazal singing and other cultural activities, which reflects deep attachment to their traditions. A teenager was emotional and said, “I have never gone to Kashmir, but it seems that a part of me is there.”
Mourning and condolences
On this occasion, there was some time silence to mourn those killed in the recent Air India aircraft accident in Ahmedabad.
