Mahashivratri in Kashmir

In a wonderstruck moment, the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, situated on the banks of the Dal Lake was lit up for the first time in multiple decades on the 21st of February on the occasion of Mahashivratri, a festival of primordial importance to Hindus everywhere.

People cognizant of this consensually celebrated the historic disappearance of darkness from the valley, and credited the unthinkable to the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A after pictures of Kashmiri Pandits and local Hindus celebrating Mahashivratri, locally known as ‘Herath,’ went viral.

In a heart-melting display, the security personnel deployed in the region were also seen to be partaking in the festive activities at the temple, showcasing as to how even the hardened need to pay homage to their spiritual side, an observation which conventional wisdom might persuade one to deem improbable, considering the prevailing narrative in regards to Kashmir and the Army.

This is a promising moment for Kashmir’s victimized who finally, through the efforts of the current dispensation’s perilous efforts, are being made to feel like human beings existing in a free-and-fair state again, and unlike foreigners in a tyrannical disposition.

However, the news of the resettlement of the lakhs banished from the Kashmir valley still eludes to grace the ears and soothe the hearts of Indians worldwide.

Gaurav Agarwal,

Guwahati