Jammu and Kashmir: Janmashtami procession taken out in Srinagar after 2 years

Amid tight security arrangements, the procession started from the Ganpatyar temple in the Habba Kadal area of the city and passed through Kralkhud, Barbarshah before reaching the clock tower at the historic Lal Chowk, officials said.

They said the procession crossed over the Amirakadal bridge, passed through the Jehangir chowk and returned to the temple. 

  The annual festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu according to the Hindu religion.

The festival is observed on the eighth Ashtami in the Hindu calendar which overlaps with August or September. Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir.

The devotees, including men, women and children, danced alongside the chariot and distributed sweets among people.

A senior citizen among the devotees said it was after two years that they were allowed to take out the Janmashtami procession in Srinagar.

There was no procession in 2020 due to COVID-19 while the lockdown imposed in the wake of abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019 had led to the cancellation of the event 

  Hindus celebrate the festival by fasting, singing, praying together and visiting Krishna or Vishnu temples. Dance drama popularly known as Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila is also held to showcase the legend of Lord Krishna among many Hindu communities. 

  The annual festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu according to the Hindu religion. The festival is observed on the eighth Ashtami in the Hindu calendar which overlaps with August or September.