After 18 years, Kashmiri Hindus celebrate Janmashtami

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir): After years of exile, Kashmiri pandits have returned to hold the first Janmashtami procession.

And for that matter, it took the Kashmiri Hindus 18 years to return to Habba Kadal in Srinagar and take out a procession for Lord Krishna.

It was a nostalgic moment for them as they danced and recited hymns on the street where terrorists held sway till a few years ago.

"We are ready to comeback. I used to see this procession before 1990 but the situation has improved a great deal," says a Kashmiri pundit, Shaadi Lal.

For once, Kashmiriyat seems to have bridged the religious divide as many Muslims too joined the rally as it moved on while some curious children and women watched from their houses, waving at the procession. Even separatist leaders were calling for harmony.

"The Kashmiri pandits are part and parcel of our society. We can’t do without them just as they can’t do without us. Some people had conspired to divide us but see they stand defeated. We are one!" says separatist leader, Shabir Shah.

For many, it was a surprise seeing a Hindu procession here after such a long time.

Habba Kadal was cradle of Hindu civilisation until terrorism took over all the people fled from the valley. But today the hyms can be heard on the streets once again.

Source:

http://in.news.yahoo.com/070904/211/6kazb.html

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