Nag devotees converge at temple to celebrate Baisakhi

Bhaderwah, Apr 12: To welcome the spring after prolonged harsh winters, thousands of Nag devotees converged at ancient high altitude Subar-Nag temple in Bhaderwah to celebrate country's first Baisakhi festival also known as Nag Baisakhi.

Located at a height of 12,000 feet above sea level, the doors (Kewaar) of the 1600 years old temple were opened today on the eve of Baisakhi festival.

The ancient festival which marks the beginning of spring in this hilly region, symbolising the ancient Naga culture of Bhaderwah is considered the first Baisakhi festival in the country, as in other parts of the state or elsewhere in the country, the spring festival will be celebrated tomorrow.

The traditional celebrations started early in morning with the opening of doors of the 1600-year-old temple at Subar Dhar, 35 Km from Bhaderwah town.

Hundreds of devotees converged at hill top meadow surrounded with snow peaked mountains after trekking 12 km steep hill to pay their obeisance to the Lord Subar Nag.