For the first time since Maharaja Hari Singh left Jammu and Kashmir, the north anniversary of the ruler of the erstwhile state was observed as a holiday in the union territory.
Singh has been a polarising figure with the mainstream groups in Kashmir refusing to declare his birth anniversary as a holiday despite a popular demand in Jammu region of the union territory.
However, after the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP had committed to declare his birth anniversary as a holiday owing to the growing demand in Jammu where expectations had grown after New Delhi took direct control of the state.
However, at many places in Jammu and Kashmir, the anniversary was observed with fervour. At Gulmarg, tourists thronged Maharaja Palace to commemorate Maharaj’s birthday.
In Jammu, dozens of residents took out parades across the city to celebrate the birth anniversary of Maharaja. The J&K administration recently declared the birth anniversary, which falls on September 23, as an annual holiday.
Former legislator and grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh Vikramaditya congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the 127th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh ji. “Grant of holiday on his birth anniversary is a victory of all the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth of Jammu,” he said in Jammu.
Meanwhile, former J&K chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad paid tribute to late Maharaja Hari Singh on his birth anniversary amid a maiden holiday announced by the J&K administration on the occasion.
"Rembering the true visionary, patriot and the last Dogra ruler of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singhji on his birth anniversary today, " Azad said in a statement. Azad, who recently quit Congress, recalled the "sea of changes in J&K brought in by Maharaja Hari Singh".
"His well-organised public administration system, people friendly policies, promotion of free & compulsory education for all, developmental and infrastructural works etc. were milestones in J&K's development, " he said.