Srinagar, Aug 28: Kashmiri pandits in the Valley have begun festivities to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with fervour and devotion.

The festival, traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, is marked by the installation of Ganesha ‘murtis’ (idols) in homes and on elaborate ‘pandals’.

This year’s celebrations began on Wednesday, with grand religious ceremonies being held at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar temple here, All PM Package Employees Welfare Association in Indira Nagar, Shiv Temple, and Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag.

Like the previous year, ‘hawans’ (sacred fire rituals) and ‘prasad’ distribution have been organised to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

These events are being held with an instrumental support from Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust in Pune, headed by Punit Balan, who has provided eco-friendly Ganesha idols to ensure that the celebrations are environmentally responsible.

In addition to the religious ceremonies, five days of cultural and ‘bhajan’ evenings have been planned to bring the community together in a celebration of devotion and culture.

The festival will culminate in a procession for the immersion of Ganesha idols, which will be carried from the Ganpatyar Mandir, Shiva Temple, and the Vessu KP Colony to the banks of the Vitasta Jhelum River.

This traditional procession, scheduled for August 31 and September 2, is a major highlight of the celebrations.

A unique feature of the festival, known as ‘Pann Pooza’, involves the preparation of sweet bread as an offering to Lord Ganesha. This sacred bread is later distributed among family members and friends, symbolising unity and communal bonding.

Despite the challenges faced during the militancy years, the local Muslim community in Kashmir continues to witness and participate in the celebrations, reflecting the enduring spirit of communal harmony that transcends religious boundaries.

The participation of the local Muslim-majority population highlights the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in the Valley.

Srinagar, Aug 28: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Thursday praised the people of Kashmir for their courage and cooperation in dealing with the recent flood situation. He said the next 10–15 days are crucial and urged residents to strictly follow weather advisories.

Garg said the water level in the Jhelum has receded but stressed that teams remain on “high alert.”

“I would like to congratulate the people for managing the situation with calm and resilience. All teams were monitoring closely, but it is the citizens’ awareness and courage that made the difference,” he said while addressing a press conference at his office chamber, according to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He emphasized that the coming days are critical, urging residents to stay vigilant, particularly near the Jhelum and its tributaries. “The next 40 days are important as the monsoon continues. With public support, our teams can handle any challenge,” he added.

Garg appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Army, Police, SDRF, NDRF, and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, noting that over 150 vulnerable spots were being monitored, with no breaches reported in the last 48 hours.

He said water levels at Ram Munshi Bagh and Sangam have receded, reflecting effective departmental work as well as community cooperation. He also urged citizens to share suggestions for long-term flood preparedness.

The Divisional Commissioner reassured residents that the situation is under control and expressed confidence that continued cooperation will help keep Kashmir safe during the monsoon season. —(KNO)

Srinagar, August 28: The water level of the Jhelum River at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar has started to decline after staying above the danger mark overnight, according to officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

As per real-time data, the river measured 21.03 feet at 1:09 AM but dropped to 20.53 feet by 7:09 AM. Although the level is now below the danger mark, authorities have stated that close observation will continue, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Officials said field teams remain deployed across various parts of the Kashmir Valley to monitor the river’s behaviour and respond to any changes.

The department has maintained hourly surveillance at key locations to track water levels and potential threats to surrounding areas.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said that government agencies are maintaining a state of readiness and that field officers are coordinating closely to ensure timely interventions if required.

He added that emergency response systems and evacuation plans remain in place.

In a high-level review held early Thursday morning, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assessed the ground situation with senior officials.

He directed the administration to ensure the continued supply of essential items such as food and medicine, and instructed that temporary shelter arrangements remain functional for those affected by the rising water.

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to stay alert and follow instructions issued by local administration. Updates on the river’s status will continue to be shared through official channels as the situation evolves.

No major breaches or displacements have been reported so far, but officials reiterated that precautionary measures would remain in effect until the risk fully subsides. (KNS)

Srinagar, Aug 28: Security forces have arrested an alleged terrorist, who is suspected to be involved in a grenade attack on a CRPF camp earlier this year, from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, a police official said on Thursday.

During a swipe search at Hari Parigam village in Awantipora tehsil of the south Kashmir district late on Wednesday evening, security forces arrested a suspected person, the official said.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Sakib Reyaz Ganie, resident of Chaki-Cholan of the Shopian district.

“The subject was the prime suspect of a grenade attack on a CRPF camp at Lariyar on May 20, 2025,” the official said.

He added that a pistol, a pistol magazine and seven live 9 mm rounds were recovered from the suspect’s possession.