The festival of lights, Diwali, is being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with devotion, joy, and a spirit of unity. While the Kashmir Valley glowed with religious fervour and togetherness, Jammu too resonated with vibrant celebrations, lighting up homes, temples, and streets in a dazzling display of devotion and joy. This year, the festival is being celebrated over two days, October 20 & 21, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
Diwali, which commemorates the timeless victory of light over darkness and good over evil, illuminates not only homes but also hearts, bringing communities together in a shared celebration of hope and renewal.
In Srinagar, the festive spirit was evident from early morning as markets bustled with activity. Local Hindus and tourists thronged the streets, shopping for diyas, candles, sweets, and gifts. Shops in Hari Singh High Street, Lal Chowk, and Karan Nagar were decked out with colorful lanterns, fairy lights, and festive decorations. Deep Utsav was also held at Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
The day painted a picture of laughter, warmth, and communal harmony. People from various communities came together, exchanging greetings and sweets, symbolising the inclusive essence of the festival.
“Like the rest of the country, the essence of the festival is deeply felt here. Lighting diyas is symbolic, it’s about keeping hope alive, about believing that after every long night, there’s a dawn waiting,” said Srikala, a tourist from Ahmedabad. “This Diwali is special because we are celebrating it here in Kashmir, the most beautiful place on earth,” she added.
Special prayers were held at temples, where large numbers of devotees gathered to offer their obeisance. In many areas of the valley, Kashmiri Pandit families celebrated the festival with devotion, joined by neighbours of different faiths in a beautiful show of brotherhood.
“For us, Diwali is not just about lamps, it’s about togetherness,” said Showkat Ahmad from Bijbehara, who celebrates the festival with his Pandit friends. “We visit their homes, taste their delicacies, and share in their joy. That is the beauty of Kashmir, we celebrate each other’s festivals,” he added.
In the heart of Srinagar, temples like the Hanuman Mandir at Amira Kadal and Ganpatyar Temple near Habba Kadal glowed under the flicker of hundreds of earthen lamps. Their golden reflections danced on the waters of the Jhelum River, while hymns and bells created an atmosphere of divine serenity.
Atop the hills, the Shankaracharya Temple overlooking the Dal Lake was also lit up as devotees climbed its steps with diyas in hand. “Climbing the hill with diyas feels like walking toward the light—literally and spiritually,” said Vikas, a devotee. “The view from the top, with the city shimmering in golden light, is simply captivating.”
Jammu, known for its vibrant Hindu traditions, celebrated Diwali with equal enthusiasm. Markets in Raghunath Bazaar, Gole Market, and Gandhi Nagar remained crowded throughout the day. Temples like the historic Raghunath Temple witnessed long queues of devotees offering prayers and lighting diyas. The entire city was draped in lights, with residential colonies and business establishments participating wholeheartedly in the festivities.
Residents of Jammu also organised community feasts, cultural events, and firework displays, making the night come alive with colour and cheer. “Diwali carries a deeper message of inner illumination and renewal,” said Anita Upasana, a visitor. “The act of cleaning homes, decorating spaces, and lighting lamps is symbolic of cleansing the heart and mind—letting go of negativity and embracing hope.”
“The story of Diwali, Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the lighting of lamps to welcome him, is essentially about homecoming and the enduring light of hope,” she added.
As firecrackers lit up the skies and lamps glowed in every corner, Diwali not only brightened the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir but also countless hearts. The festival served as a radiant reminder of harmony, tradition, and the collective longing for peace and light.
