KASHMIR, December 1, 2012 (Khabar South Asia): A Kashmir Pandit family makes Rangoli (decorative designs) for Diwali. In doing so, they are following a centuries-old tradition. It has long been customary for Kashmiri Pandits to invite their Muslim brethren to feast with them during this and other major Hindu festivals. Likewise, Muslims entertain their Hindu neighbors during their festivals, especially on Eid.
Diwali was celebrated this year for five days starting on November 13th. Also known as Deepavali, it is the biggest holiday in India. In Kashmir, the festival also offers an opportunity for minority Pandits and majority Muslims to renew their fraternal ties.
“There are just a few families left in this area. Since my childhood, I have seen my Muslim friends visiting our home on every auspicious occasion. For Diwali, again we have invited our Muslim neighbors for dinner, and they will also do the same for us during their festivals,” said Assema Koul.
Muslims eagerly await these joyous occasions. Srinagar resident Shaban Mohammad told Khabar that local Muslims take part in every non-Muslim festival. “We have political uncertainty in Kashmir, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t take part in the non-Muslim festivals. Every year, I visit homes of Kashmiri Pandits and even Sikhs during their festivals,” he said. “Kashmir belongs to them also. They are not visitors here. We have shared pain and happiness together during the prolonged years of conflict,” Mohammad said.