Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Sep 7: Janmashtami, the birthday of Hindu Lord Krishna, was on Thursday celebrated with religious zeal and fervor across Jammu & Kashmir while processions, known as ‘Shoba Yatra’ were taken out by Kashmiri Pandits at multiple places as part of the traditional celebrations.
The devotees were dressed in traditional attire, singing devotional songs and dancing to the beats of music.
The Kashmiri Pandits took out a Shoba Yatra from a temple in Tanki Pora area here and marched through Habba Kadal, Barbarshah, Lal Chowk amid tight security arrangements.
“This Janmashtami procession is not just about celebrating a religious festival; it’s about reclaiming our cultural heritage and rekindling the spirit of unity among our community members. It sends a message of peace and harmony to the entire region,” said Arun, a devotee.
Arun praised the communal harmony in Kashmir, saying that not only KPs, but the Sikhs and Muslims too have celebrated the occasion with them today.
“It is the festival of Lord Krishna, and we should celebrate it with great enthusiasm, and that’s the reason we are dancing and celebrating the festival here on the streets of Srinagar. We believe that, by dancing in front of God, all our sins are washed away,” added Rakhi, a female devotee.
Moreover, after the gap of 34 years, Janmashtami was celebrated in the central Kashmir’s Nunner area of Ganderbal with zeal.
On the occasion, a rally was organized, which covered a distance of one and half Km, leading to the temple where special prayers were held. The rally commenced from Hari Krishna Mandir Nunner to Chappar Gund Shiv Mandir in which people in large number participated.
Locals said that celebrating the occasion in Ganderbal after the gap of 35 years is a symbol of peace as both Muslims and Hindus celebrated the occasion together.
Sonu, a Kashmiri Pandit said that the local Muslims have extended their support to them and participated in their joy and happiness.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal Shyambir told reporters that the festival is being celebrated after 35 years in the district and extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
