Marking the festival of Janmashtami, members of the Kashmiri Pandit and Hindu community today took out a colourful religious procession in Srinagar.
The procession, which started from the Barbarshah temple, moved through the city’s main road at Lal Chowk before concluding peacefully, officials said.
Men, women and children dressed in vibrant traditional attire participated in the procession, chanting devotional hymns in praise of Lord Krishna.
Police had put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
Organisers said that the festival procession was first revived in 2007 at Lal Chowk which drew global attention at the time and since has become a yearly tradition, with both Janmashtami and Ram Navami processions held regularly.
The organisers said the celebrations are marked not only by the participation of Kashmiri Pandits but also by local Muslims and tourists, reflecting the message of harmony and unity.
“Religion does not teach us enmity. We are all Indians, and this is our country,” a devotee remarked.
Meanwhile, Lt. Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti were among several leaders who extended warm greetings on Janmashtami.
