JAMMU, Oct 20: Shri Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha J&K celebrated Shashtra Pooja on the eve of the Dussehra festival at Raj Tilak Bhawan, Purani Mandi, Jammu, under the presidentship of Shri Bishan Singh Jamwal.
The traditional function witnessed the participation of a large number of Biradri members from urban and rural areas, who gathered to perform religious rituals and pray for the prosperity of the community, Jammu and Kashmir, and the country.
The programme commenced with a Havan at 11 am, performed by eminent Pandits, followed by the traditional worship of weapons. As part of the age-old custom, licensed weapons were cleaned and maintained to prevent rusting and keep them in proper condition. The organisers emphasised that the tradition signifies the responsible use of weapons for the protection of people and the nation.
Narayan Singh, Chairman of Shri Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha J&K, extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Vijayadashami and highlighted the festival’s religious and cultural significance.
Addressing the gathering, the Sabha members observed that Vijayadashami symbolises the triumph of good over evil and righteousness over unrighteousness. The festival commemorates the victory of Bhagwan Shri Rama over Ravana, whose tyrannical rule was brought to an end, restoring peace and justice.
They stated that Shashtra Pooja is an important traditional observance that reminds people of the need to uphold courage, discipline, responsibility and righteousness. The worship of weapons is not intended to promote their misuse but to reinforce the principle that they should be used responsibly and only for the protection of people and the country.
The gathering also conveyed a message of unity, peace, brotherhood and national progress, expressing hope that the sacred festival would strengthen harmony and mutual respect among people.
Mahant Narsingh Dass Ji of Hanuman Mandir, Purani Mandi, Jammu, was among those present on the occasion. Other prominent attendees included Jagdish Singh Sangwal, Vice President; Mangleshwar Singh, General Secretary; Narinder Singh, retired ETO and Secretary; Sukhdev Singh, Secretary; Vinod Singh (Binny), Secretary; Mohinder Singh Jamwal, retired Chief Engineer and Advisor; B.S. Jamwal, retired Deputy Commissioner and Advisor; Shamsher Singh Parihar, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police and Advisor; Jagdish Singh Rathore, Chairman, Pahari Zilla, Billawar; Kapil Chib; Shamsher Singh; Balbir Singh Manhas, District President (Rural); Ranbir Singh, retired Manager, J&K Bank; Lecturer Narinder Singh; and other members of the Sabha.
The programme concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity and progress, reaffirming the Sabha’s commitment to preserving traditional customs and promoting unity and brotherhood in society.