Srinagar| Oct,16 : In a significant announcement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday declared the full revival of the ‘Darbar Move,’ a 150-year-old tradition of biannually shifting the government’s administrative base between Srinagar, the summer capital, and Jammu, the winter capital.
The decision aims to preserve Jammu’s distinct identity and strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two regions of the scenic Himalayan region. Addressing a press conference marking the completion of his first year in office, Abdullah confirmed that the Cabinet, under his leadership, had approved the restoration of this historic practice in September. “The proposal was forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor and has received approval. We are working to reinstate the Darbar Move at the earliest,” he stated.
The Darbar Move, initiated by Dogra Maharaja Ranbir Singh in the 19th century, was designed with strategic and climatic considerations in mind. The practice facilitated governance by relocating the administrative machinery to Jammu during the harsh winter months when Srinagar was often snowbound and inaccessible. Conversely, the government would return to Srinagar in May for the summer. Beyond its administrative purpose, the Darbar Move served as a vital bridge between the diverse ethnic communities of Jammu and Kashmir Valley, fostering social and cultural integration.
