October 20, 2017 02:35:09 | Irfan Yattoo

Diwali celebrations in Srinagar city witnessed amity between Hindu and Muslims at many parts in the city on Thursday as the festival was celebrated in religious harmony and brotherhood between the two communities in Kashmir valley.

Known as the festival of lights Dewali was celebrated with religious fervor and zeal all across India as well as here in summer capital Srinagar where huge rush of people was witnessed in various places and people were seen greeting each other and distributing sweets among the local Muslim population.

Sanju Singh while distributing sweets at Hanuman temple at Hari Singh High Street said, it is my first Diwali here in Kashmir.

He said in other Indian states there is lot of pollution during this festival as one cannot breathe properly.

“I prayed specially for peace in Kashmir valley,” Singh said.

Outside Hanuman temple at Hari Singh High Street, Vdasincharya Bhawan temple at Residency road, banks of Dal Lake and other parts in city, Muslim vendors had set up stalls to sell religious pictures, clay lamps, garland of flowers and fire crackers.

Local Kashmiri Pandits as well as laborers from outside states at Amira Kadal were seen greeting the Muslims friends and were distributing sweets.

“I have specially carried sweets from famous Kud area of Jammu to distribute among my friends in Srinagar,” said Amitabh Dhar.

The local Muslims here have made all arrangements and are very helpful, Dhar said.

A group of non locals laborers at Residency Road who were purchasing fire crackers told Rising Kashmir that there can be difference between our religious identities but people here are very cooperative and hospitable.

“The national media has been creating perceptions of a war-like situation in valley and portraying local news as breaking news, from the last 15 years we have been working here and no one has ever interfered in our daily activities,” they said.

“I specially prayed to goddess Durga Mata that to end this curse of braid chopping in Kashmir because sometimes we also are suspected to be braid choppers,” said Raj Kumar a laborer at Dalgate.

Another devotee Anshula Handoo at Dalgate said: “Every year I celebrate Diwali in Kashmir with my Muslim friends and distribute sweets among them.”

We wish that this festival may bring peace and prosperity in Kashmir valley,” she said.

Head Priest at Hanuman Temple at Amira Kadal, Shivannd Baba told Rising Kashmir that such love that we are getting from Kashmiri people is not available anywhere in the world.

“We receive sweets and fruits from Muslim neighbors for distribution among devotees which are coming to worship (Puja) here,” Baba said.

Even some Muslims after offering morning prayers came here to greet Kashmiri pundits, he said, adding: “It is good sign that the bond of brotherhood between the two communities is very strong.”