Srinagar, Kashmiri Pandits on Thursday took out Shoba Yatra in Srinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami as the festival was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety.
The Yatra with a group of children dressed in traditional attire was taken out from Kathleshwar temple in Tankipora area in Srinagar and passed through the roads of Habbakadal, Ganpathyar, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street and Jahangir Chowk amid tight security arrangements.
Chanting ‘Hari Rama Hari Rama’ slogans a good number of Kashmiri Hindus were accompanying the Yatra that passed off peacefully.
Members of the majority community were also seen greeting them by the roadside at various points of Srinagar city.
Security forces were deployed at various points in strength as a precautionary measure, an official said.
President of the Hindu Welfare Society of Kashmir Chunni Lal said that with the taking out of the Shoba Yatra the nine day Ram Navami, the birth day of Lord Rama festival concludes.
He said special prayers for the peace and prosperity of the country and Jammu and Kashmir were conducted during all these days.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha greeted the people on the occasion of Ram Navami.
“May the festival of Ram Navami strengthen our faith in the goodness of mankind, inspire all of us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of selfless service and usher in happiness, prosperity and well being of all”, LG said in his message.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, Member of Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah, and Vice President Omar Abdullah also greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, hoping the day augurs well for the increased prospects of peace and prosperity in the country.