The festival of lights, Diwali, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across Srinagar on Monday, as homes, temples, and marketplaces shimmered under the glow of countless lamps and decorative lights.

The festival, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, brought together people from different communities who shared greetings and joined in the celebrations that reflected the city’s enduring spirit of communal harmony.
Major temples, including the historic Hanuman Temple at Amira Kadal, Ganpatyar Temple in Habba Kadal, and the Shiv Mandir at Indira Nagar, witnessed special prayers and rituals. Devotees offered traditional sweets, lit earthen lamps, and prayed for peace, prosperity, and wellbeing. The temples were beautifully illuminated, and the air resonated with bhajans and chants.
Markets across Srinagar, including Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, and Jawahar Nagar, remained abuzz throughout the day. Shoppers thronged sweet shops, gift stores, and markets selling decorative items, diyas, and candles. Fireworks lit up the evening sky, adding a festive sparkle to the city’s skyline.
Several social and cultural organisations also held community events to mark the occasion. Children participated in diya-making and rangoli competitions, while families gathered to share festive meals and sweets.
Members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, who form a vital part of the Valley’s cultural fabric, observed Diwali with deep religious fervour. Many said the festival is not only about celebration but also a message of hope, peace, and unity in the Valley.
Security arrangements were strengthened across the city to ensure peaceful celebrations, with police and administration officials monitoring key areas.
As the night sky of Srinagar glittered with fireworks and joy, the city once again reflected the timeless message of Diwali — that light, love, and harmony will always prevail over darkness and despair.