Nauroz In Kashmir: Rediscovering The Essence Beyond Sectarian Lines
Srinagar: Nauroz, the festival of spring and the first day in the Persian New Year is celebrated across Central Asia. Pertinently, Nauroz starts at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, commencing the start of the spring. Exact moment of the vernal equinox in Srinagar, commonly known as ‘Tahvil’, this year (20th March 2024) was at 08:36:26 a.m. on Wednesday.
In Kashmir however, the festival has sadly attained sectarian connotation and this has decreased its significance for the general public.
"It is sad Nauroz in Kashmir has been associated with a sect and seen from a sectarian perspective", said Prof G. N. Khaki, former Director of the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir. Prof Khaki believes that this spring festival belongs to the whole Muslim community.
“This year, it is coinciding with the month of Ramazan, which has doubled its essence, and we should be grateful to
God for the kind of bounties he has provided us with. Life is infused into all things on this day and it signifies rebirth” he said.
He further said that there is nothing wrong in celebrating cultural festivities as long as they do not clash with the religious beliefs. Imam Abu Hanifa (r.a) has put it rightly, quotes Prof Khaki, “As long as traditions do not contradict Islamic fundamentals and beliefs, we can continue with them”.
According to Dr. Abid Gulzar, Assistant Professor at the CCAS Kashmir University, "It is primarily celebrated in the countries where the Persian empire shared the arc of influence and political authority for long periods of time.
Reflecting on
Islamic teachings, Dr. Gulzar asserted that Islam never opposes cultural festivities and the indigenous festival of a place. He drew a historical parallel, stating, “Even when we look at the history of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (P.b.u.h) did not change the names of people after they embraced Islam because changing names after embracing faith is not necessary and is not an essential matter of the faith.”
But in Kashmir, we saw hundreds of people changing names just