India
oi-Prakash KL
Amid heightened security, Hindus in Srinagar are celebrating Janmashtami, with the Kashmiri Pandit community taking out its traditional procession through the city’s commercial hub.
Devotees gathered at temples early in the morning for prayers, fasting and kirtans. The highlight of the day was the grand procession, which set off from the historic Ganesha Temple at Tankipora in Habba Kadal.
Hindus in Srinagar celebrated Janmashtami with a traditional Kashmiri Pandit procession through Lal Chowk amid heightened security, marked by prayers, devotional hymns, and welcoming gestures from local Muslims, reflecting Kashmiriyat.
Winding through Kralkhud and Barbarshah, the procession culminated at the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Lal Chowk. Participants danced to drumbeats, blew conch shells and chanted devotional hymns, while young children dressed as Radha and Krishna rode atop decorated floats.
Reflecting the Valley’s tradition of Kashmiriyat, local Muslim residents lined the streets to greet the procession, welcoming participants with flowers, sweets and festival wishes.
The festivities took place under a heavy security presence, with police and security personnel deployed along the entire route and around Lal Chowk following recent online threats directed at Kashmiri Pandit employees. The heightened security ensured that the procession passed peacefully without incident.
Educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir remained closed for the public holiday.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended greetings to the people, offering prayers for continued peace, harmony and prosperity across the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor said: “On the joyous occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all.
“The life and teachings of Lord Krishna carry a universal message celebrating the ultimate victory of righteousness and virtue. His timeless wisdom and call to action guide us to fulfil our duties without attachment to the outcome. May Lord Shri Krishna guide us towards righteousness, and may his divine blessings bring joy and prosperity to all.”
The Chief Minister also extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, wishing everyone peace, happiness, prosperity and harmony, a statement from his office said.
He expressed hope that the festival would strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood and bring joy and well-being to every family across Jammu and Kashmir.
