The land of Rishi Kashyap and Srinagar’s iconic Lal Chowk was awash in a glow it hadn’t seen for decades. The clock tower stood proud, surrounded by 10,000 diyas and filled with people celebrating Diwali. Hindus and Muslims of Kashmir came together to celebrate and mark a historic night. Once unthinkable under previous CON party regimes, this celebration marks a moment of unity and peace, a new page in Kashmir’s long and complex history.
Kashmir: A Name That Echoes Through History
Srinagar, the heart of Kashmir, derives its name from deep Sanatani roots. “Sri” symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi and “nagar” means city, giving Srinagar the meaning of “the city of prosperity blessed by the Goddess herself.” Meanwhile, Kashmir’s name is traditionally believed to be named after Rishi Kashyapa. According to legend, Rishi Kashyapa is credited with transforming the land from a large lake – Satisar – into habitable land.
The Nilamata Purana states that Rishi Kashyap drained the lake by piercing the mountains, thus creating the valley of Kashmir.
Thereby, giving it the name “Kashyap-mir” (meaning Kashyap’s Lake) or “Kashyap-meru” (meaning Kashyap’s Mountain). The name eventually evolved into “Kashmir.” The term comes from “Ka” (meaning water) and “Shimira” (meaning to dry), portraying Kashmir as “land freed from water.” Hence, linking Kashmir and its people with its Sanatani origins for life!
However, political shifts, insurgency, and terrorism dimmed any Sanatni festivities for many years. As recently as a decade ago, a large Diwali celebration in the heart of Srinagar would have been unimaginable. Yet, today, the resurgence of Diwali celebrations in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk honors the city’s ancient Hindu legacy, showcasing a return to roots. Once again, people gather to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness in the Valley, representing a return to Kashmir’s historic heritage of peace and wisdom.
Diwali at Lal Chowk: A Dream Fulfilled
For the first time in history more than 10,000 diyas illuminated Lal Chowk, Kashmir today with people raising Jai Shri Ram slogans and singing
"Om Jai Jagdish"!!
pic.twitter.com/sAeaoK8PRH— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 31, 2024
This Diwali, Lal Chowk was transformed into a scene of festivity, warmth, and unity. The iconic clock tower, beautifully illuminated, stands as a symbol of the resilience and unity of the people of Kashmir. Reports state that Arjun Patel, a tourist from Ahmedabad, expresses his awe, saying that it was a dream come true for many Hindus to celebrate Diwali in Kashmir.
The classic Hanuman Chalisa by Bharat Ratna MS Subbulakshmi blaring through the loudspeakers at Lal Chowk in Srinagar!!
Who would have imagined!!
Absolutely brilliant!!
Shubha Deepavali!!
Jai Shree Ram!!
😍🙏🏼😍🙏🏼😍
pic.twitter.com/VcSpiYvKZO— मङ्गलम् (@veejaysai) October 31, 2024
This resurgence of Sanatani traditions is not only about festivities but also an expression of freedom and security that the region has yearned for.
A shopkeeper at Lal Chowk mentions how the ongoing celebrations have boosted tourism, bringing a welcome buzz to local businesses. Shopkeepers have seen a steady flow of tourists and residents, who fill the square with laughter, joy, and lights as they light diyas to celebrate Diwali together. For years under the CON party alliances and regimes, Lal Chowk represented fear and division. However, yesterday it stood as a symbol of hope, uniting both locals and visitors in shared cultural expressions. Lal Chowk’s Diwali celebrations are a powerful testament to the cultural renaissance happening in Kashmir.
Srinagar is proving that its history of unity, represented in the name “Sri Nagar,” is more than a memory – it’s a living legacy being revived for future generations to enjoy.
Diwali: A Hope for Future Generations in Kashmir
#WATCH | J&K: #DiwaliCelebration underway at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Organised by Paschimamnaya Sharada Peetham, the celebration is witnessing the participation of both locals and tourists. pic.twitter.com/5jxfDYA5L9
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024
The Diwali festivities at Lal Chowk symbolize more than just a joyful night. They represent a renewed hope for Kashmiris. As hundreds of locals and tourists gather to celebrate Diwali, the lights of Lal Chowk illuminate not only the square but the hearts of those who witness it. For decades, Kashmir’s reputation was associated with conflict, but this celebration marks a shift toward peace, freedom, and cultural harmony.
With 10,000 diyas – the people of Kashmir seem ready to reclaim their right to celebrate their cultural heritage openly and proudly, inviting everyone to join them in the spirit of Diwali.
This Diwali celebration shines as a beacon of unity, highlighting Kashmir’s historic roots and its resilient journey toward a brighter future. As the diyas glow brightly across Lal Chowk, they cast away years of fear and division, leaving behind only hope, harmony, and joy. For Srinagar, this Diwali marks the beginning of a new era, one where the city’s spirit of “Sri Nagar,” the city of prosperity, shines brighter than ever before.