Diwali illuminates Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, marking a new dawn in Kashmir

Under a crisp autumn sky, the heart of Srinagar pulsed with an ethereal glow last night as thousands of earthen diyas flickered to life at Lal Chowk. The iconic clock tower, Ghanta Ghar, stood sentinel amid a sea of lights, where Hindus, Muslims, tourists, and locals converged in a symphony of chants, laughter and shared sweets. This was no ordinary Diwali, it was a triumphant reclamation of joy in a square once synonymous with shadows of violence and unrest. For the first time in living memory, the festival of lights banished the ghosts of the past, painting a vivid portrait of unity, resilience and renewal.

As the sun dipped behind the snow-capped Zabarwan mountains, Lal Chowk transformed into a canvas of celebration. Thousands of diyas, meticulously arranged in intricate patterns symbolizing Operation Sindoor – a nod to the security triumphs that have fortified the valley – bathed the bustling crossroads in warm amber hues. Families from across Jammu and Kashmir, including returning Kashmiri Pandits, lit lamps together, their faces illuminated not just by flames but by a profound sense of belonging. Children darted between stalls laden with laddoos and firecrackers, while elders performed the Maha Aarti, its rhythmic bells echoing off the divine facades. Fireworks crackled overhead, drawing gasps from the crowd, a stark contrast to the silence of fear that once gripped these streets.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as magical. Having served there as CRPF officer two decades ago, I never imagined Diwali would be celebrated like this in the heart of Kashmir. The air is electric with peace. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, extending greetings via social media, called it a “beacon of hope,” emphasizing how such events foster the inclusive spirit of J&K.

This year’s festivities, amplified by social media virality, saw videos of the clock tower aglow trending nationwide. Posts from locals and visitors alike captured the essence: diyas forming the tri-colour, priests chanting mantras alongside Kashmiri folk tunes, and even impromptu dances under strings of twinkling LEDs. One viral clip showed soldiers from nearby outposts joining the revelry, their camouflage blending seamlessly with the festive throng – a poignant reminder of the armed forces’ role in scripting this narrative of normalcy.

Yet, Lal Chowk’s luminous rebirth is no accident of fate. For decades, this central square – a symbol of Srinagar’s commercial and political pulse – was scarred by the echoes of conflict. In the 1990s, it witnessed the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, grenade attacks, and protests that turned it into a flashpoint for unrest. The 2000s brought blackouts during festivals, enforced curfews, and a pervasive dread that stifled cultural expressions like Diwali. Stone-pelting incidents and militant strikes marred what should have been moments of mirth, leaving the valley in a cycle of isolation and despair. Tourists shunned the streets, shops shuttered early and the once-vibrant markets of Dal Lake and Residency Road whispered tales of a divided paradise.

The turnaround, however, stems from deliberate resolve. At its core lies the unyielding grit of our security forces – the Indian Army, CRPF, BSF and J&K Police – whose operations have dismantled terror networks with surgical precision. Their determination has given us the space to breathe, to celebrate, where multi-agency coordination ensured seamless security without a hint of tension.

Equally pivotal is the visionary leadership of the central government, steering J&K towards integration and prosperity. But the most transformative catalyst remains the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. This bold constitutional recalibration dissolved the temporary provisions that had long insulated J&K from India’s federal embrace, fostering a sense of separatism rather than synergy. Article 370’s removal has ignited a progressive ethos, weaving national integrity into the fabric of Kashmiri thought.

Srinagar awakens to a brighter tomorrow. The valley’s apples ripen for export, its shawls grace global runways and its people dream beyond borders. Diwali 2025 wasn’t just a festival; it was a declaration. May this light never fade. For Kashmir, that light – fueled by security’s steel, governance’s vision, and constitutional unity – promises an enduring dawn.

Skeptics may call it fleeting, but the numbers don’t lie. Violence is down, prosperity up. The valley’s apples reach global markets, its shawls grace runways, and its people dream big. Diwali night wasn’t an anomaly; it was part of a pattern. Eid sees Hindu participation; Ganesh Chaturthi draws Muslim well-wishers. 

This is the Kashmir I fought for – not just secure, but whole. As I watched the last diya flicker out, I felt pride, not as a former officer, but as an Indian witnessing a valley reclaim its soul. Diwali 2025 wasn’t just light; it was a promise that Kashmir’s dawn is here to stay.

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