Onlykashmir.in Desk
Srinagar/ On the occasion of Independence Day, Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk continued to present a unique scene this year, where the clock tower decorated in the tricolor remained the center of attention not only of tourists but also of the locals. People took pictures in the famous commercial center, hoisted the national flag and appeared in the colors of Independence Day celebrations.
Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir are no longer limited to official places, but the participation of the common people in different areas of the valley was also prominent. From Srinagar to remote districts, official and non-official ceremonies, cultural programs and tricolor rallies were organized, while at many places, citizens hoisted the national flag on their homes, shops and business centers.
The tricolor-decorated building of the clock tower in Lal Chowk further highlighted the festive atmosphere. Apart from the mountains, lakes and Mughal Gardens, this historical center of Srinagar also attracted special attention for tourists arriving in Kashmir on the occasion of Independence Day. Tourists took pictures in front of the clock tower and saved the scenes of the celebration in their cameras.
According to KNO, local citizens were also seen in large numbers around the clock tower. Lal Chowk, which is usually busy with traffic and business activities, was relatively quiet due to the Independence Day holiday, however, the movement of people wherever the events were held created an atmosphere of celebration in the city.
A combination of celebration, culture and national spirit in Kashmir
Flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, student activities, tricolor rallies and other events were organized in various districts of the valley on the occasion of Independence Day. People associated with schools, government institutions and various organizations also participated in the programs.
From Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar to Lal Chowk, Dal Lake and other areas, Independence Day activities colored different parts of the city in their colors. The tricolor shikara rally in Dal Lake added a unique color to the celebrations, while the clock tower of Lal Chowk became a visual souvenir for tourists and citizens.
Independence Day celebrations were also held in towns and rural areas of Kashmir. Youth, students, government employees, traders and ordinary citizens participated in the programs at various places. National flags were seen flying on houses and commercial centres in several areas.
A new view of Kashmir for tourists
Tourist Kiran, who visited Kashmir from Mumbai, said, “This is my first trip to Kashmir and I am enjoying my stay here. This place is as beautiful as heaven and I cannot describe it in words.”
Locals also viewed the celebrations positively. Gulzar Ahmed, a resident of Kiran Nagar, who runs a tea stall near Court Road, said it was heartening to see people from different communities celebrating together and it creates a sense of unity and national pride.
Zubair Ahmed, another local, said the Independence Day celebrations added a unique charm to the relatively quiet commercial centre. According to him, it is encouraging to see people celebrating together.
Clock tower becomes a symbol of changing Kashmir
After being renovated under the Srinagar Smart City project, the Clock Tower has already become a prominent symbol of the city and a popular tourist destination. However, on the occasion of Independence Day, the Clock Tower, decorated in the tricolour, became part of a scene where history, tourism, local life and national celebration were seen in one place.
This scene of Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir reflects the fact that the public participation and style of celebrations regarding national days in the valley has changed significantly over the years. This year too, citizen participation in different areas, youth activities and cultural programmes made Independence Day a public celebration.
Jammu and Kashmir has travelled from fear to freedom under Modi’s leadership
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Independence Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir are a symbol of the significant changes that have taken place in the region in the last few years and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has travelled “from fear to freedom”.
In a message on social networking website ‘X’, Amit Shah said that in areas where threats were once given for hoisting the tricolour, today Tiranga Yatras are being held and lakhs of people are hoisting the national flag with joy and pride.
He said that the Independence Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir are a reflection of the changes that have come in the region in recent years. According to him, the national flag is being hoisted with joy and pride throughout Jammu and Kashmir while people are participating in the Independence Day celebrations without any fear or threat.
Amit Shah’s statement came on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, when Independence Day celebrations were held in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir amid tight security arrangements.
