Dussehra celebrated with religious fervour in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 2: The festival of Dussehra was celebrated with great religious fervor and communal harmony in Srinagar on Thursday, drawing devotees from across Kashmir as well as large number of tourists.

The day was marked by the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath in Srinagar after sunset symbolising the victory of good over evil. Processions were also taken out in Srinagar, with locals, Kashmiri Pandits, and security personnel joining the celebrations.

Dussehra, also known as Vijay Dashmi, falls on the tenth day of Ashvin in the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, and is observed after nine days of fasting and devotion during Navratri.

“This year, the event was organised and led by the Kashmiri Pandit Sangrash Samiti with support from the CRPF and district administration. For nine days leading up to today, different deities are worshipped and devotees keep fasts. We are thankful to the administration, police, and our Muslim and Sikh brothers who stand with us every year and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood in Kashmir,” said Jagdish Bhardwaj, a senior member of the committee. “

Adding a colourful dimension to the festival, several devotees were also present at the gathering. Many of them, who had earlier participated in Durga Puja, joined the Dussehra celebrations with equal enthusiasm. “This is my second year of celebrating Dussehra in Srinagar. We feel safe and welcomed here. The support from locals and the police is commendable, and I would urge more tourists to come to Kashmir during the festive season,” said Sushant, a Bengali devotee.

The celebrations also drew large participation from the younger generation. Many Kashmiri youths were seen filming the event on their mobile phones, capturing reels and short videos for social media. “We usually see such festivals only on television, but today we witnessed it here with our own eyes. It shows that Kashmir is full of brotherhood and tolerance. Festivals like these bring colour to our city.” said a youngster from Srinagar

The event witnessed greetings from across the political spectrum as leaders from the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, and other parties extended wishes to the Hindu community. With prayers, fireworks, and the ritual burning of effigies, the festival concluded on a note of joy and togetherness.