The five-year term for the previous panchayat bodies in the state ended in July last year at a time when Kashmir was facing turmoil following the killing of militant Burhan Wani.
The celebrations began with midnight mass prayers in Churches in summer capital, Srinagar, which recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 4. The church was decorated with colourful buntings and balloons and wore a festive look.
The members said Aga Syed Muhammad Fazllulah Almusawi and Moulna Molvi Muhammad Abbas Andsari are already serving as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Imam Hussain (AS) Foundation respectively.