Mass Mortality of Sacred Fishes at Martand Mattan Sparks Spiritual Anguish

Martand-Mattan, Anantnag, December 16, 2025: A deep wave of shock, sorrow, and spiritual anguish has swept through the devout community of Shri Martand Mattan in District Anantnag, following the sudden and alarming mass mortality of sacred fishes within the holy pond. This unprecedented incident has inflicted immense emotional pain upon devotees, for whom these fishes are not merely aquatic life but are revered as living symbols of faith, tradition, and integral components of ancestral rituals. The sight of the lifeless sacred fish has left the community heartbroken and deeply concerned for the sanctity of their revered pilgrimage site.

Taking serious note of the grave situation, an urgent meeting was convened under the leadership of Shri M.K. Yogi, the former President of the Trust, who strongly emphasized the seriousness of the matter. He made a fervent appeal to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and specifically to the District Administration of Anantnag, to intervene immediately and initiate emergency remedial measures on the ground. He stressed the need to contain and address what appears to be a rapidly spreading epidemic-like situation in the sacred pond. Shri Yogi stated that such a massive and sudden loss of the sacred fishes has never been witnessed in living memory, warning that any delay in intervention could further aggravate the crisis and cause irreversible damage to both the delicate ecosystem and the profound religious sentiments of thousands of devotees.

The speakers at the meeting underlined that this tragedy transcends an ecological issue, representing a profound spiritual and religious setback for the community. Devotees hold a firm belief that these sacred fishes are pious entities that play a vital and irreplaceable role in religious observances, particularly in the performance of rituals associated with ensuring peace and salvation for the souls of departed ancestors. Adding his voice to the collective grief, prominent social and religious figure Veerji Pandita also expressed deep anguish over the incident. He highlighted the urgent need for a swift scientific intervention, calling for a comprehensive water quality assessment, the involvement of expert veterinarians to treat the remaining fish, and the implementation of a continuous monitoring system for the sacred pond to prevent any further loss of life.

The matter assumes an even greater urgency in view of the forthcoming Kumbh Mela, which is scheduled to take place during May and June of 2026. This major religious event is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across the country to Martand Mattan to perform sacred rituals. The sanctity of the holy pond and the vibrant presence of its sacred fishes are absolutely integral to these age-old traditions. Any neglect at this critical juncture could deeply hurt the religious sentiments of pilgrims and severely disrupt the spiritual fabric of this ancient pilgrimage.

In a unified appeal, members of the Trust, devotees, and representatives of the KP Brigade Martand, led by its President Shri Rakesh Tickoo, have unanimously called upon the administration for immediate remedial action, expert intervention, and sustained administrative oversight to restore the sanctity of the sacred pond and to prevent the recurrence of such a devastating incident in the future. The community now waits in hope that the authorities will act with the urgency, sensitivity, and responsibility required to protect this revered religious site and uphold the faith of countless devotees.