Srinagar, Mar 30: The Kashmiri Pandit community residing in the valley celebrated the birthday of Lord Ram, known as Ram Navami, with traditional fervour and gaiety. Prayers were held in temples across the Valley, where Hindus sought blessings from Lord Ram and prayed for the return of peace to the region. On this auspicious occasion, Kashmiri Pandits participated in the Shoba Yatra in Srinagar on Thursday with religious passion and joy.
Under strict security measures, the Yatra, which included a group of children dressed in traditional garb, left the Kathleshwar temple in the Tankipora neighbourhood of Srinagar and travelled through Habbakadal, Ganpathyar, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, and Jahangir Chowk. The yatra was conducted peacefully while chanting the mantra “Hari Rama Hari Rama,” with several Kashmiri Pandits accompanying it.
Special prayers were held at Ram Mandir at Barbar Shah, Durga Nag Mandir, Kathleshwar Mandir at HabbaKadal, and Hanuman Mandir Hari Singh High Street. Devotees thronged Ram Mandir at Barbar Shah, where they recited Bhajans and prayed for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. On this occasion, members of the Muslim community also greeted the Pandits.
Security forces were deployed at various points as a precautionary measure, according to an official. Chunni Lal, the President of the Hindu Welfare Society of Kashmir, said that with the conclusion of the Shoba Yatra, the nine-day Ram Navami festival concludes. He added that special prayers for the peace and prosperity of the country and Jammu and Kashmir were conducted during these days.
