Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Kashmiri Pandits Celebrate Janmashtami in Srinagar Amid Threats
Kashmiri Pandits celebrated Janmashtami, a festival about the birth of Lord Krishna, in Srinagar.
They held a colorful procession through several parts of the city.
People sang devotional songs, chanted, danced and carried displays of Krishna and Radha.
Women, children and some foreign tourists also took part.
Local Muslims welcomed the participants and gave them water.
The procession paused near a mosque so Friday prayers could finish.
Security officers watched the route because organizers said there had been a threat.
The organizers said the celebration showed that different communities can live together peacefully and reject terrorism.
Kashmiri Pandits held a colorful Janmashtami procession in Srinagar under tight security arrangements.
The procession featured tableaux of Lord Krishna and Radha, devotional songs, chants, dancing, and participation by women and children.
Reports differed on the route’s endpoint: one said it returned to Sri Kathleshwar Mandir, while another said it culminated at Lal Chowk.
Local Muslims welcomed participants and distributed water; the procession also paused near a mosque while Friday prayers were underway.
Organizers said the event continued a tradition dating to 2007 despite a threat letter received about two weeks earlier.
- Who
- Kashmiri Pandits, local Muslims, Sikhs, other residents, women, children and several foreign tourists participated; Kashmiri Pandit leader Sandeep Mawa commented on the event.
- What
- A Janmashtami procession with Krishna and Radha tableaux, devotional performances and messages of communal harmony was held in Srinagar.
- When
- The procession took place on Friday during Janmashtami; organizers said a threat letter had been received nearly two weeks earlier.
- Where
- It began at Sri Kathleshwar Mandir and passed through Habba Kadal, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk or Regal Lane, Ghanta Ghar and D C Office Road; reports differed on whether it ended at Lal Chowk or returned to the temple.
- Why
- Participants celebrated Janmashtami, demonstrated inter-community solidarity and called for peace and an end to terrorism in Kashmir.
- Starting point
- Sri Kathleshwar Mandir, also referred to as Katleshwar Temple
- Reported route
- Habba Kadal, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk or Regal Lane, Ghanta Ghar and D C Office Road
- Reported distance
- Nearly three kilometres
- Security
- Security personnel were deployed at key locations and along the route
- Threat context
- Organizers said a threat letter was received nearly two weeks before the celebration
- Community participation
- Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Sikhs, women, children and foreign tourists participated or welcomed the procession
- Religious overlap
- The procession took place on Friday, and it paused near a mosque while prayers were underway
- Tradition
- Community members said the procession has continued since 2007
