2 hrs ago
Kashmir Celebrates Janmashtami Amid Threats With Message Of Communal Harmony
People in Kashmir held a large celebration for Janmashtami, a festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
The procession began at a temple in Srinagar and ended at Lal Chowk.
It included colourful displays of Krishna and Radha.
Many people sang, danced and prayed for peace.
Kashmiri Pandits joined the procession even after receiving a threat.
Muslims also stood along the route to welcome the participants.
Near a mosque, the procession paused while Friday prayers finished.
The participants said this showed that different communities can live together peacefully.
A Janmashtami procession traveled nearly three kilometres from Katleshwar Temple to Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
The procession featured tableaux of Lord Krishna and Radha, devotional songs, bhajans and religious chants.
Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the country joined the event despite a threat letter received two weeks earlier.
Members of the Muslim community welcomed the procession, while Friday prayers continued near a mosque along the route.
Organisers said the celebration demonstrated inter-community solidarity and called for an end to terrorism in Kashmir.
- Who
- Kashmiri Pandits, members of the Muslim community, and other residents participated in the procession; Kashmiri Pandit leader Sandeep Mawa spoke about its significance.
- What
- A Janmashtami procession featuring tableaux of Lord Krishna and Radha was held with messages of communal harmony and opposition to terrorism.
- Where
- The procession traveled from Katleshwar Temple through Habba Kadal, Barbarshah and Regal Lane to Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
- When
- The celebration took place on Janmashtami, which coincided with Friday; organisers said a threat letter had been received two weeks earlier.
- Why
- Participants sought to celebrate the festival, demonstrate inter-community solidarity, and call for peace and freedom from terrorism in Kashmir.
Key facts
- Starting point
- Katleshwar Temple
- Destination
- Lal Chowk, Srinagar
- Distance
- Nearly three kilometres
- Participants
- Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Sikhs, men, women and children
- Security context
- A threat letter was reportedly received about two weeks before the celebration
- Religious overlap
- The procession took place on a Friday while Friday prayers were being held
- Tradition
- Organisers said the procession has been held continuously since 2007
Quotes
Sandeep Mawa
Kashmiri Pandit leader who addressed the procession’s communal-harmony message
“We have been taking out this procession continuously since 2007. This year is a little special because we received a threat letter two weeks ago.”
wionews.com
“I think this is what God wants for us to live in communal harmony and stay away from the madness of terrorism.”
wionews.com
Sources
Related news
Faith in a Chadar, Harmony in Every Step
Kolkata Janmashtami Committee Excludes Muslims After BJP Leader Takes Charge
Kolkata Janmashtami Committee Shift Sparks Religious Harmony Debate
Omar Abdullah: Kashmiri Pandits' security threats must not be overlooked
Hanumakonda Grand Sri Krishnashtami Celebrations Aim to Unite Yadavs Nationwide
Janmashtami Celebrations Draw Crowds Across Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, Mumbai
AI Spiritual Guidance Draws Users While Gurus Debate Its Limits
Women Celebrate Dahi Handi Aboard Moving Badlapur-Thane Train
Yogi Announces Grand Temple Complex Plans for Mathura-Vrindavan
Kangana Ranaut Prepares Janmashtami Bhog In Childhood Kitchen
