Ram Navami was celebrated with vibrant religious fervor across the Kashmir Valley on Sunday, as the Kashmiri Pandit community took to the streets of Srinagar for a grand Shobha Yatra. The festival, marking the birth of Lord Rama, saw temples throughout the city adorned with colorful lights, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with joy and spirituality.
The Shobha Yatra commenced from the Kathleshwar temple in the Tankipora area, featuring a procession of children dressed in traditional attire. The vibrant parade wove its way through key areas of the city, including Habbakadal, Ganpathyar, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, and Jahangir Chowk. Participants chanted “Hare Rama Hare Rama,” filling the air with devotion and unity, as they were accompanied by a significant number of Kashmiri Pandits.
In a heartening display of communal harmony, members of the majority community joined in the celebrations, further enriching the spirit of togetherness. The main Shobha Yatra traditionally begins at Zaindar Mohalla in the old city and culminates at Tankipora, where the sense of community and shared joy was palpable.
Devotees expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support from both the Kashmiri Muslim community and local authorities. “We have been taking out this Yatra and ‘Jhanki’ every year. The atmosphere is very peaceful, and it’s heartwarming to see everyone come together for the preservation of our religious places,” remarked one devotee. Another participant noted that despite being a minority, the Kashmiri Pandit community experiences immense support from their neighbors, making the occasion even more special.
As the procession moved through the city center, members of the majority community were seen greeting participants warmly from the sidelines, reinforcing the message of brotherhood that Kashmir embodies.
In light of the large gathering, security forces were deployed at various locations to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration. Their presence provided an additional layer of assurance for all participants involved in this joyous occasion.
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