Srinagar: The iconic Clock Tower at Lal Chowk, once a hub of New Year celebrations in Srinagar city, wore a somber look this year as official celebrations were canceled across Jammu and Kashmir.
The region is observing a seven-day mourning period following the demise of a former Prime Minister.
According to details collected by the news agency—JKNS, the usual vibrant atmosphere at the Clock Tower was replaced with silence, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion. Locals expressed their sentiments about the muted celebrations.
“We understand the importance of mourning for a leader, but it feels strange not to see the Clock Tower lit up this year,” said Shabir Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Lal Chowk.
Notably, on the other hand, private New Year gatherings took place in various parts of the city. Many families and small groups celebrated at home or in private venues, adhering to the somber tone of the week.
“It is a bittersweet start to the year. We couldn’t celebrate publicly, but we marked the occasion quietly with our loved ones,” said Mehvish Jan, a resident of Rajbagh.
Notably, the absence of public celebrations at the historic Clock Tower left a void for many, but the subdued tone reflected the region’s respect for the mourning period.
It is worth mentioning, it was said there will be no celebration at any place on the occasion of New Year in Jammu and Kashmir due to 7-day mourning declared by the Union government over the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.—(JKNS)
