Early Times Report
Sriangar, Oct 7: This year the symbol of evil, Ravana will not be reduced to ashes in Srinagar as people who revived the Dussehra festival here have decided not to go for the celebrations in view of the prevailing situation.
Kashmir, it is in place to mention here continues to remain shut since August 5 when the union government revoked Article 35 A and article 370 of the Indian constitution that conferred special status on the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
After the onset of militancy and migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, Dussehra festival which is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, could not be celebrated for more than two decades.
However, around seven years ago, Sanjay Tikoo, the President of Kashmiri Pandit Sangrash Samithi (KPSS), a body of Pandits who stayed back in the Valley and did not migrate, took the initiative and with the help of Muslim friends celebrated the festival here. After more than two decades, the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkran and Megnath were torched at Polo grounds much to the delight of an impressive crowd comprised mostly of Muslims. Since then Srinagar continues to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana by torching the three effigies. However, the city missed the festivity in 2016 owing to agitation triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani on July 8.
According to Tikoo, the funds for the effigies come mainly from the Muslims. "Muslims donate money for the festival generously to strengthen Kashmiriyat and mutual understanding. The participation of Muslims adds to the beauty of the festival and brings the two communities closer," he said.
Parvez who has been donating money for the effigies every year is unhappy over non-observance of the festival. "I and my friends had plans to celebrate the festival in grand style this year but the celebrations had to be cancelled because of the prevailing situation," he said.
Pertinently the credit for revival of the festival goes to the Kashmir civil society. The administration has no t helped much. |
