Janmashtami celebrated with religious gaitey, fervour in Valley

Srinagar: Janmashtami, the birthday of Hindu Lord Krishna, was on Thursday celebrated with religious zeal and fervor across Jammu & Kashmir while processions, known as ‘Shoba Yatra’ were taken out by Kashmiri Pandits at multiple places as part of the traditional celebrations.
The Kashmiri Pandits took out a Shoba Yatra from a temple in Tanki Pora area here and marched through Habba Kadal, Barbarshah, Lal Chowk amid tight security arrangements.
“This Janmashtami procession is not just about celebrating a religious festival; it’s about reclaiming our cultural heritage and rekindling the spirit of unity among our community members. It sends a message of peace and harmony to the entire region,” said Arun, a devotee.
Arun praised the communal harmony in Kashmir, saying that not only KPs, but the Sikhs and Muslims too have celebrated the occasion with them.
“It is the festival of Lord Krishna, and we should celebrate it with great enthusiasm, and that’s the reason we are dancing and celebrating the festival here on the streets of Srinagar. We believe that, by dancing in front of God, all our sins are washed away,” added Rakhi, a female devotee.