Srinagar- Dussehra was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the valley including Srinagar on Saturday.
The main event took place at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, where a towering effigy of Ravana was set on fire. According to Hindu mythology, this marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
The celebration, according to KNO, saw participation from various communities, including local Kashmiri Pandits, who continue to observe the festival despite being a minority in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, a Kashmiri Pandit resident said, “Celebrating Dussehra in the valley reminds us of our roots and shared traditions. It’s a moment of unity and hope for all of us.”
Another Kashmiri Pandit, Sanjay Kumar, said, “Dussehra in Kashmir holds special significance. It brings a sense of community and togetherness, something we deeply cherish.”
Adding to the event’s significance, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah attended and extended his greetings to the people. He highlighted the role of festivals in fostering community bonds.
The celebration concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks lighting up the Srinagar sky, which marked the end of the festivities.
Dr Farooq Joins Celebration
National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah today joined Kashmiri Pandits in the Dussehra festival at Srinagar, saying the new government in J&K will work for the rehabilitation and return of Kashmiri Pandits back to the Valley.
“I am happy to be part of this event today. I was an MP for five years but was never invited to these events. Today, I was invited and I am here,” Dr Frooq told reporters on the sidelines of Dussehra festival in Srinagar.
The NC chief said the new dispensation will ensure rehabilitation and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits back to their roots. “We will take all the Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras, Kashmiris, Jammuites, Buddhists and anyone living in J&K, on board and keep the flock together. We want KPs to return and live a dignified life again. I believe time has come when they should return,” he said.
In a message to Jammu people, Dr Farooq said:
“People of Jammu should know that we are their enemies. We will take them along in our march towards good governance.”
The NC chief said another slogan was always raised when late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was in power. “Sher-e-Kashmir ka Irshad, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh ittehad. We believe in this very slogan. This means to keep all sects and sections together,” he said.
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