Click to play videoSrinagar: Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit families are returning to the Valley after decades for an annual festival at a shrine in Tulmulla village.
Many like Basanti Gigoo is in a festive mood and has cooked delicacies for her family at the Kheerbahwani shrine in Tulmulla village.
“I was overwhelmed to see neighbours welcoming us when I went to my old locality. They ensured us that there was nothing to fear. I think it is time to come back. The PM's package will help us come back,” Basanti said.
While Basanti's daughter-in-law Meenakshi added, “I was scared to come here because of terrorism but my fears have gone and I would like to come again and again to my native place. I need job security and peace.”
But the younger generation does not share such nostalgia, however that does not stop them from talking about the Valley with pride.
“I was a two-and-half-year-old when I left. I don't remember anything. So I heard from my parents that Kashmir was beautiful. I always felt that once in my lifetime I should visit Kashmir. The elders kept missing their homeland and neighbours,” said Parul who is now settled in Delhi.
Hundreds of families have reached the Valley from different parts of the country and abroad to pray at the shrine. The days are spent in cooking delicacies and praying for peace in the strife-torn region.
The colour of the water of the temple pond has turned milky and legend has it that when it attains a whitish hue then peace is not far.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.