Diwali celebrated at kiln, Ramayana village in Kashmir

Story by Aasha Khosa | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 25-10-2022

Locals celebrating Diwali with labourers in Brick Kiln

Srinagar

Kashmir Valley with a majority Muslim population saw several symbolic celebrations of Diwali initiated by local Muslims to foster bonds among different communities.

The most important celebration happened in a brick kiln in Budgam in central Kashmir where a local political leader, Javed Baigh, joined in illumination and firecracker bursting with the labourers most of whom have come from outside J&K.

He made it a point to tell the world that this celebration was in solidarity with the labourers most of whom are either dalits or from scheduled tribes and they feel threatened while working here.

Javed Baigh who was formerly with the PDP of Mehbooba Mufti wrote on Twitter:

DALIT & ADIVASI DIWALI IN KASHMIR - 10/10

Hindu Dalits & Adivasis from UP, Bihar etc. & Kashmiri Muslim Dalits & other lower caste Kashmiri Muslims have bonded in ties of mutual love & affection, despite such hugely contrasting cultural, linguistic & religious differences. pic.twitter.com/aBgKpmCeG0
— Javed Beigh (@JavedBeigh) October 24, 2022

In another post he write:

Here it’s important to mention that except for rich & affluent Upper Caste Kashmiri Muslims like Syed/Peers or Kashmiri Muslim Brahmin converts, most other Kashmiri Muslims are very secular, moderate, sufi and inclusive Muslims.

DALIT & ADIVASI DIWALI IN KASHMIR - 8/10

It is important for me to mention here that except for rich & affluent Upper Caste Kashmiri Muslims like Syed/Peers or Kashmiri Muslim Brahmin converts, most other Kashmiri Muslims are very secular, moderate, sufi and inclusive Muslims. pic.twitter.com/PJBSkDkXtl
— Javed Beigh (@JavedBeigh) October 24, 2022

Javed also said the celebration of Diwali was started in Budgam district to instill confidence among the labourers who are mostly Dalits and scheduled tribal people from outside J&K and who are living under the fear of terrorists.

In Budgam, locals – Hindus, and Sikhs joined the labours at the kiln in lighting the lamp, diwali poja, and bursting the crackers.

In Sithaharan village located in Khag Panchayat halqa of Budgam, local Muslims lit up candles at a fresh spring dedicated to Sita, wife of Lord Ram.

Village Sutharan also called Sitaharan is a Ramayana site, for locals believe Ram, Sita, and Laxman spent a part of their 14-year exile here.

Muslim villagers lighting candles at the local spring to celebrate Diwali in village Sutharan, Budgam

Deputy Commissioner S F Hameed told Awaz-the voice that this site has historic and religious importance and great tourism potential.

He said the locals took initiative for celebrations.

While locals joined security forces in celebrating Diwali across Kashmir, they also celebrated the festival of lights at Bohri kadal, downtown Srinagar.

ALSO READ: Did Lord Rama visit Kashmir during his exile?

A local Kashmiri Pandit said his Muslim friends refurbished his house to enable him to celebrate Diwali.