Kashmiri Pandits Celebrate Vitasta Day at Jammu & Verinag with Fervor and Gaiety

Jammu & Verinag, Sept 5: Kashmiri Pandit communities joyously celebrated **Vitasta Day**—also known as *Vyeth Truvah*—marking the birth anniversary of the river Vitasta (Jhelum). Events were held with deep religious fervor and cultural vibrancy at both Jammu and the sacred Verinag spring, widely revered as the source of the Jhelum.

Rituals and Offerings at Verinag

Devotees gathered at Verinag, the historic Mughal-era spring and garden regarded as the original cradle of the river. The celebrations featured ceremonial prayers, floral offerings, and devotional hymns led by priests and community elders. Despite over three centuries of architectural grandeur, the site’s spiritual essence served as the heart of today’s communal gatherings.

Ceremonies in Jammu

In the winter capital, similar rituals took place at designated prayer venues and community halls. Prominent community members and activists offered prayers, chanted devotional hymns, and upheld centuries-old customs. The occasion also served as a vibrant assertion of cultural identity and spiritual continuity among the diaspora.

unity, Heritage & Resilience

Vitasta Day transcends mere ritual—it underscores the deep historical and spiritual ties that Kashmiri Pandits share with their land. Through traditional ceremonies, recollection of legacy, and communal gatherings, the day revived shared memories, reaffirmed cultural pride, and invited future generations to preserve heritage amid dispersed circumstances.

A Message of Hope

Participants emphasized the resilience of their community, especially in the aftermath of displacement. “Through festivals like Vitasta Day, we keep our bond to the land, the river, and our past alive,” remarked a community elder at Verinag. Such traditions offer hope, continuity, and a spiritual anchor across difficult times.

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Source: Based on reporting by Daily Excelsior (Read original)

Labels: Vitasta Day, Kashmiri Pandits, Verinag, Cultural Heritage, Jhelum River

Tags: #VitastaDay #KashmiriPandits #Verinag #CulturalPreservation #DailyExcelsior

Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.