Kashmir’s Ram Navami: A Joyful Rebuttal to Yogi’s Controversial Remarks

Ram Navami in Kashmir highlighted communal harmony amidst Yogi's controversial 'roads are for walking' remark.

(Photo Courtesy: Adil Hussain)

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In Kashmir, Ram Navami was celebrated with colourful religious fervor. The procession of shobha yatra was taken out from Kathleshwar Temple in Tankipora, which travelled through the historic streets of Srinagar city like Habba Kadal, Lal Chowk and Jahangir Chowk. The devotees danced and chanted ‘Hare Rama’, ‘Hare Krishna’ during this procession.

This grand religious celebration unfolded at a time, when Muslims in India are attacked for reading namaz on Eid, loudspeakers are banned, and mosques are attacked.

The procession of shobha yatra seen here taken out from Kathleshwar Temple in Tankipora

(Photo Courtesy: Adil Hussain)

A Challenging Eid in UP

A day before Eid, authorities in Uttar Pradesh took out orders warning Muslims of strict action if they offer namaz on the roads. Some went on to say that those who defy this order will have their passport cancelled.

Later, defending the decision, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the administration's warning to Muslims against offering namaz on streets was meant for the movement of traffic.

“Roads are meant for walking. And those who are speaking (against the decision) should learn discipline from Hindus. Sixty-six crore people arrived in Prayagraj. There was no robbery, destruction of property, arson, or abduction. This is called religious discipline. If you want benefits, you should also follow discipline,” he had given the controversial statement.

However, in Kashmir, Ram Navami defied that narrative. This yatra was a powerful testament to the resilience of faith, tradition and communal harmony. Kashmiri Pandits, who are a minority in the region, were joined by many Muslims, reflecting a spirit of unity.

People chanting ‘Hare Rama’, ‘Hare Krishna’ during the shobha yatra from Kathleshwar Temple in Tankipora.

(Photo Courtesy: Adil Hussain)

A Sign of 'Mutual Respect'

The mutual respect and warmth exchanged on the streets of Srinagar were powerful reminders that faith is not confined to walls or restricted by rules; it thrives where people come together.

So, while Adityanath’s remarks may have sparked debates elsewhere, Kashmir’s Ram Navami was a vivid reminder that no form of hate can stop people from following their faith and celebrate their festivals.

At a time, when religious freedom often faces scrutiny, this celebration stood tall as an unapologetic, joyous declaration.

Joyous celebration of Ram Navami seen in Kashmir.

(Photo Courtesy: Adil Hussain)

Meanwhile, Kashmiri Muslims are stopped from celebrating their festivals, with the historically significant Jama Masjid in Srinagar’s Downtown rendered shut on important auspicious festivals like Shab-e-Qadr.

In February, the police had not allowed Shabe Barat prayers as well at Jamia Masjid, triggering outrage with even chief minister Omar Abdullah expressing his criticism.

The decision had led to outrage by many political parties, including Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, a body of Kashmiri Pandits living in Kashmir. They criticised the J&K authorities for closing the Jama Masjid.

“Is this normalcy in J&K as authorities banned celebrating Shani Qadr inside the Jama Masjid in Srinagar,” it said in a statement.

Traffic seen being managed by Police personnel for the shobha yatra

(Photo Courtesy: Adil Hussain)

It is to be noted that despite the traffic getting affected due to the procession, there was no outrage or criticism by the majority community, showing that Kashmiris respect each other's religion and culture, without having to resort to hate.

(Adil Hussain is an independent freelance journalist based in Srinagar, Kashmir. His works is published in Tasnim News Agency, twocircles etc. This is an opinion piece, and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)