
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in Kashmir marked a significant milestone, as it was celebrated after a gap of 35 years by Kashmiri Pandits publicly in a grand rath yatra (procession) as part of the festival, reviving a tradition disrupted since the onset of terrorism in the early 1990s.This resurgence, particularly happened Srinagar and South Kashmir, symbolized a powerful cultural and spiritual reconnection for the Kashmiri Pandit community, supported by local communities and authorities.The eruption of terrorism in Kashmir from 1989 to 1990 led to the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir, disrupting their cultural and religious practices, including public celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, locally known as Vinayak Tchoram. For decades, the festival was either subdued or limited to private homes due to security concerns and the community’s exodus.In recent years, particularly since 2022, efforts to revive these traditions have gained momentum, with 2025 marking a historic return of the public Rath Yatra, unseen in the Valley for 35 years. This revival reflects improved security, community resilience, and support from both local and external organizations.The festival began on August 27, 2025, at Indira Nagar Shiv Temple, where the installation of eco-friendly Ganesha idols, adorned with flowers, sandalwood, and traditional decorations, was seen. A hawan was performed, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras and bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha.




