Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday participated in the Murti Pratishthan Divas celebrations at the Mata Uma Bhagwati shrine in Umanagri, Shangus, Anantnag district, attending a two-day Yagyna and allied spiritual programmes organised by the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust. His presence as Chief Guest at the ancient Hindu temple — which reopened in July 2024 after a 34-year closure — signals the administration's active engagement with the cultural revival of Kashmiri Pandit heritage sites.

Key Developments at the Shrine

Dulloo paid obeisance at the shrine, seeking the deity's blessings for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also participated in the Kalash Puja and other sacred rituals central to the Murti Pratishthan observance.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, senior district administration officers, and a large gathering of devotees and Trust members were also present at the celebrations.

What the Government Said

Referring to ongoing heritage conservation efforts, Dulloo reaffirmed the administration's commitment to safeguarding places of historical and spiritual importance. He stated that the existing development project at the shrine would be expanded to incorporate additional works aimed at improving visitor facilities and preserving the sanctity of the site in a comprehensive manner.

The Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust expressed gratitude to the Chief Secretary for his participation and his assurance of continued support. The Trust also acknowledged the proactive coordination role played by Deputy Commissioner Bhat in ensuring smooth arrangements for the religious function.

About the Shrine and Its Significance

The Mata Uma Bhagwati shrine is an ancient Hindu temple in Anantnag, notable for its five natural springs. It carries deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community, having remained shut for 34 years before its reopening in July 2024.

This comes amid a broader, quiet reclamation of ancestral shrines across the Kashmir Valley by Kashmiri Pandits. Funded largely by the diaspora and managed by local employees, the grassroots revival is restoring forgotten sites and reconnecting the community to its heritage — with the focus on rebuilding and restoration rather than immediate resettlement.

Broader Context

The administration's participation in events such as this reflects a deliberate policy posture: state officials attending minority religious observances in the Valley to signal institutional support for cultural continuity. Notably, this is one of several such heritage sites across Anantnag and the wider Valley that have seen renewed attention from both the diaspora and district authorities in recent years. The trajectory of shrine restoration — and the pace of government-backed infrastructure improvements — will be closely watched by the Kashmiri Pandit community as a measure of the Centre's longer-term commitments.