KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 20: Dussehra was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, bringing together people from diverse religious, cultural and political backgrounds in a powerful display of Kashmir’s longstanding traditions of communal harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The celebrations were organised by the Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti in association with the Punit Balan Group. The event witnessed the participation of Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and people from different sections of society, transcending religious and political boundaries and highlighting the shared cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Marking the triumph of good over evil, the festival served as an occasion to reaffirm the values of truth, righteousness, compassion and unity. The enthusiastic participation of people from different communities underscored the significance of preserving Kashmir’s pluralistic traditions and strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding among its people.
The gathering conveyed a message that festivals are not merely religious occasions but also opportunities for communities to come together, understand one another’s traditions and celebrate the values that unite them. The participation of people from diverse backgrounds reflected the enduring relevance of Kashmir’s tradition of coexistence, where shared humanity can transcend differences of faith and belief.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti expressed its gratitude to Mr. Puneet Balan for his dedicated efforts, valuable contribution and logistical support, which played an important role in ensuring that the celebrations were organised on a grand scale.
The Samiti also acknowledged the cooperation extended by the District Administration Srinagar, Srinagar Police and the entire police administration, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other concerned departments and personnel.
The JKCA was particularly thanked for providing the venue and staff for the programme, while the support of the various government departments and agencies helped facilitate the smooth conduct of the celebrations.
The organisers also extended their appreciation to the volunteers, participants and all those who contributed to making the event a memorable occasion.
Beyond its religious significance, the celebration emerged as a reaffirmation of Kashmir’s diverse cultural identity and the importance of allowing different religious and cultural traditions to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The message of Dussehra—that goodness and truth ultimately triumph over evil—resonated across community lines, reinforcing the importance of compassion, tolerance and collective responsibility.
The participation of people from different communities also highlighted the role of public celebrations in creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and strengthening social relationships. Such gatherings, the Samiti maintained, can help foster trust, counter divisive tendencies and encourage a spirit of understanding among communities.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti reiterated that collective celebrations of festivals and cultural occasions are essential for nurturing inter-community bonds and preserving the Valley’s pluralistic ethos. It emphasised the need to create an environment in which every community can practise its faith, preserve its traditions and participate in public life with dignity and confidence.
The Samiti expressed sincere gratitude to everyone associated with the successful organisation of the event, reiterating that Kashmir’s future is best served by harmony, coexistence and shared humanity.
The Dussehra celebration at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium thus served as a reminder that Kashmir’s strength lies in the ability of its people to respect one another’s beliefs and traditions, stand together across differences and uphold the values of peace, unity and mutual understanding.
