Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 9: Janamashtami the birthday of lord Krishna was celebrated today with religious fervour and gaiety and a grand function was held at Katlashwar Temple, Zainder Mohalla Tankipora, Srinagar.
The chief guest, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister, Raman Bhalla after paying obeisance at the centuries old temple, addressed gathering and said the main aim and objective of his visit to this temple was to encourage and built confidence among the Migrant Kashmiri Pandit community members to come back as there is a sea change in the atmosphere and there is peace now.
Mr. Bhalla said that Jammu and Kashmir especially the valley is well known a land of Reshies, Munies, spiritual leaders, and for its religious tolerance and due to which different communities have lived here peacefully and have a rich cultural traditions, love, respect for each other. He hoped that in the coming years, the situation will be better. He said that Kashmiri Pandit Community is a essential part of the Kashmiri society and the majority community all along welcomed their return with whole heartedly which has been seen a number of times particularly on the religious ceremonies.
Mr. Bhallla said that he is delighted to know that Shoba yatra is also regularly being taken by the devotees from this temple to express their love and feelings towards the Lord Krishna.
The function was organised by International Society for Krishna consciousness (ISKON).
He said the Government wishes a congenial atmosphere and added that a peaceful atmosphere is a key of overall development and prosperous State.