Dussehra Celebration in Srinagar Brings Communities Together, Highlights Communal Harmony

Pune/Srinagar, 21st October 2026: People from different religious communities and sections of society came together for a Dussehra celebration organised by the Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) in association with Punit Balan Group at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, according to a statement from the organisers.

The celebration witnessed participation from Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, other Hindus, Sikhs and representatives of different political parties, the Samiti said. It described the gathering as an expression of Kashmir’s shared cultural heritage and traditions of communal harmony.

Marking the victory of good over evil, the event offered an opportunity for people across religious and social backgrounds to celebrate together. The organisers said the participation reflected the importance of preserving inter-community relationships and creating spaces for shared cultural experiences.

Punit Balan Group Extends Support
The Samiti acknowledged the contribution of Punit Balan and Punit Balan Group, saying their logistical and organisational support helped make the celebration possible.

Balan, identified in the supplied statement as president of Punit Balan Group, said festivals could play an important role in bringing communities closer and strengthening mutual trust.

“Seeing citizens from different religions and communities come together through the celebration of Dussehra in Kashmir is a matter of great joy and pride. Festivals are not merely symbols of religious traditions; they are also a powerful medium for bringing people together and strengthening mutual trust within society,” Balan said.

He expressed satisfaction at supporting an initiative aimed at preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage and encouraging social harmony.

“Though our religions, languages and cultures may differ, the thread of humanity binds us all together,” he said, expressing hope that peace, brotherhood and coexistence would grow stronger in Kashmir.

Organisers Thank Administration and Volunteers
KPSS thanked the Srinagar district administration, Srinagar Police and other police personnel for their cooperation in organising the event.

It also acknowledged the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for providing the venue and staff, along with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other departments and personnel involved in the arrangements.

The Samiti extended its appreciation to volunteers, participants and others who contributed to the celebration.

Emphasis on Shared Cultural Traditions
The organisers described the gathering as more than a religious observance, saying it demonstrated how people of different faiths could participate in one another’s traditions with dignity and mutual respect.
The message of Dussehra, they said, offered an opportunity to emphasise compassion, unity and the triumph of goodness over evil beyond religious boundaries.

KPSS reiterated that collective celebrations could help strengthen inter-community bonds and support an environment in which Kashmir’s diverse religious and cultural traditions could flourish together.