Spirituality Archives - Kashmir Impulse

Diversity our natural rhythm of life: LG Sinha

Kashmir Impulse — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:41:45 +0000

Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 4

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the ‘Rishiwar’ Inter-Faith Conference 2026 in Srinagar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that the idea of honoring all faiths equally has been woven into the fabric of India’s philosophy for millennia.

“While many nations today struggle with the challenge of coexistence, diversity has been our natural rhythm of life. While many societies have devised measures to safeguard unity, India embraced the ethos and values of coexistence and practiced seamlessly for thousands of years,” the LG said.

He observed that respecting all ideas and beliefs has always been the tradition of Sanatan Dharma.

He said that India has consistently emphasized unity in diversity and shown respect to every faith that emerged thousands of years after Sanatan Dharma.

The LG said that the Rigveda also teaches that hearts and minds should be aligned, our aim should be the same, our feelings in harmony, and our thoughts united.

“Scholars and researchers worldwide agree that the spirit of equal regard for all religions finds its philosophical roots in the ancient traditions of our great country. When I reflect on the ideals and philosophies India has gifted humanity, it becomes evident that through both thought and deed, our Vedas, Upanishads, saints and seers have illuminated a path toward lasting world peace,” the LG said.

He stated that every thread of society must be woven together, advancing with a shared commitment to the welfare of humanity.

“That is precisely what humanity needs most today. The ethos of equal respect for all religions is India’s most precious gift to the world. We must continuously nurture it so we can move forward together in unity and bring prosperity to every community,” the LG said.

Highlighting Jammu Kashmir’s exceptional performance during the three phases of the Vande Mataram initiative, the LG described the achievement as extraordinary and a testament to the people’s enduring patriotic spirit.

LG Sinha also lauded the overwhelming public support for the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.

He said that participation from all sections of society has been organic and inspiring.

The LG called upon citizens, institutions and community leaders to embrace the campaign as a people’s movement and work together towards building a drug-free and healthier society.

Justice Sanjay Dhar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof Meena Sharma, Organiser (Convener), saints, senior officers of the judiciary, police and civil administration, faculty members of various universities, students and the public in large numbers attended the conference.

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CM Omar receives first batch of Hajj pilgrims returning to Srinagar

Kashmir Impulse — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:12:42 +0000

Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 2

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the first batch of pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia after completing the annual Hajj pilgrimage, officials said.

The first Hajj flight arrived at Srinagar International Airport carrying 144 pilgrims, including 74 men and 70 women, officials said.

Abdullah received the pilgrims at the airport and congratulated them on completing the pilgrimage.

During interactions with the returning pilgrims, the chief minister expressed hope that their prayers would contribute to peace, prosperity and well-being in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country, officials said.

He also sought feedback on arrangements made for the pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia and their return journey, and wished them good health and happiness.

Abdullah reviewed arrangements for the reception of pilgrims at the airport and directed authorities to ensure efficient baggage handling, transportation and other support services for the returning Hajjis, officials said.

The chief minister had earlier raised concerns with the federal government over delays in the transportation of pilgrims’ baggage and urged authorities to ensure timely delivery and seamless handling of luggage.

According to officials, 4641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Hajj this year. Of these, 3952 are scheduled to return through the Srinagar embarkation point.

Return flights are scheduled to operate between June 2 and June 16.

Senior civil administration officials, representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, airport authorities and other agencies were present during the reception.

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First batch of Hajj pilgrims to arrive in Srinagar as return phase begins

Kashmir Impulse — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:19:44 +0000

Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 2

The return phase of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will begin on Tuesday with the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims scheduled to land at Srinagar International Airport, officials said.

Return operations will continue till June 16, covering thousands of pilgrims who performed Hajj this year.

A total of 4641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir undertook the pilgrimage, including 2583 men and 2058 women, according to official figures.

Of these, 3952 pilgrims are expected to return via Srinagar, including 3631 from Jammu and Kashmir, 321 from Ladakh and one from Punjab. Among them are 21 women who travelled without a Mehram, officials said.

The first incoming flight will carry 74 men and 70 women, they said.

In addition, 1061 pilgrims will return through other embarkation points, including 1010 via Delhi, 49 via Mumbai, and two via Bengaluru.

Authorities have set up reception arrangements at Srinagar airport, including medical assistance, transport facilities, help desks and distribution of Zamzam water for arriving pilgrims.

The return comes amid concerns over baggage restrictions linked to ongoing runway maintenance and operational limitations at Srinagar airport under a temporary Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

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Luggage curbs spark concern among returning Hajj pilgrims from Kashmir

Kashmir Impulse — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:11:19 +0000

Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 30

Kashmiri pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj have expressed concern over revised baggage restrictions ahead of their return journey, saying the curbs and separate transportation of luggage would cause inconvenience and hardship.

The Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee has issued the return flight schedule, with pilgrims expected to begin arriving in Srinagar from June 2.

However, several pilgrims said they were upset over the reduction in baggage allowance and a decision to transport a major portion of luggage by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar instead of carrying it on the same flight.

Pilgrims said they had initially been informed that each passenger would be allowed 40 kg of check-in baggage, but were later told only 35 kg would be permitted, with remaining luggage to be sent separately.

“We were told that 40 kg luggage would be allowed and charges were taken accordingly. Now we are being informed that only 35 kg is permitted, while our belongings will be transported separately from Ahmedabad to Srinagar. This will create problems for us,” a pilgrim told Greater Kashmir over phone from Saudi Arabia.

Some pilgrims alleged that the arrangement was unfair and that Kashmiri pilgrims were being subjected to restrictions different from those applied elsewhere.

“We feel there are different rules for Kashmiri pilgrims. This is unfair and has left many of us distressed,” another pilgrim said, adding that some were considering boycotting return flights if the issue was not resolved.

Pilgrims also raised concerns over carrying dates and gifts purchased for their families, saying delayed transportation could lead to spoilage or damage.

“We have purchased dates and gifts for our families. Since these are sacred items, any delay in transportation may damage them. Besides, people belong to different districts of Kashmir and collecting luggage from Srinagar will itself become difficult,” another pilgrim said.

Executive Officer of the J&K State Hajj Committee Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said the revised baggage arrangement had become necessary due to operational constraints linked to runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport.

“As per the guidelines and training provided to pilgrims, the baggage allowance has been 40 kg check-in luggage plus 7 kg hand baggage. However, due to runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport and related operational limitations, airlines have reduced the load capacity,” Qureshi said.

He said Akasa Air, which is operating Hajj flights from Srinagar and other embarkation points, had reduced luggage allowance because of technical limitations.

“For Srinagar embarkation, aircraft cannot land carrying excessive load because the runway is under maintenance. Therefore, 30 kg luggage will be transported separately from Ahmedabad to Srinagar by road, while pilgrims can carry 5 kg check-in baggage and 7 kg hand baggage with them,” he said.

Qureshi said the Hajj Committee was trying to ensure that the luggage reaches Srinagar within three to four days of the pilgrims’ arrival and advised passengers to carry perishable items with them.

“We have requested pilgrims to keep perishable items, including dates or anything that may spoil, within the permissible baggage allowance they carry with them. We are trying to ensure the luggage reaches within three to four days,” he said.

Despite the clarification, many pilgrims said the arrangement would cause difficulties, particularly for those returning to far-flung districts, and urged authorities to review the decision.

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Kaaba and Kashmir

admin — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:51:32 +0000

A 17-year-old Kashmiri girl journeys from the valleys of Kashmir to the holy city of Makkah, searching for forgiveness, faith, and a deeper connection with Allah amid the spiritual intensity of Hajj. Fatima Muhammad writes.

When our flight rose above the mountains of Kashmir, I pressed my forehead softly against the airplane window and tried to find home beneath the clouds. Somewhere below were the walnut trees my grandfather planted, the Jhelum moving quietly through Srinagar, my school notebooks left unfinished on my desk, and my mother’s kitchen where the smell of noon chai lingers in curtains long after morning. I had travelled before, but never like this. This time I was not going somewhere for sightseeing or studies or family visits. I was travelling toward a prayer.

I am 17-years-old, and for most of my life Hajj existed in stories older people told after evening prayers. In our home, the word itself carried a kind of softness. My grandmother would describe Makkah as if it were less a city than a memory of light. She spoke of people crying without shame, of strangers embracing each other in languages they did not understand, of standing before the Kaaba and feeling the world become suddenly smaller and Allah infinitely closer.

As a child, I listened without fully understanding.

Now, on my way to Hajj, I find myself thinking not about the grandeur of the pilgrimage but about my own smallness.

At 17, your heart is crowded with contradictions. You want to become someone important, but you are also frightened of failing. You pray, but your mind wanders. You seek forgiveness, yet repeat the same mistakes. You carry dreams that feel too large for your age and regrets that feel too heavy for your years.

Before leaving Kashmir, I stood quietly in my room late one night, folding clothes into a suitcase while rain tapped against the windows. I remember wondering whether Allah listens differently to prayers made in Makkah. I wondered whether forgiveness feels different there too. People say that during Hajj, a person returns purified, as if reborn. I do not know if I deserve such mercy, but I know I long for it.

The first thing that startled me upon arriving in Saudi Arabia was the movement of humanity itself. Everywhere there were people walking with urgency and devotion. Old men leaning on canes. Women whispering duas under their breath. Children asleep on shoulders. Entire families dressed in simplicity, carrying the same hope toward the same sacred centre.

And then there was the heat.

In Kashmir, even our summers carry traces of coolness from the mountains. Here, the air itself feels weightless and blazing, as if the sky has descended closer to the earth. Yet amid that heat, people continue walking patiently toward prayer.

I watched my father become quieter after arriving in Makkah. Usually he speaks constantly – about politics, cricket, rising prices, relatives, everything. But near the Haram, his voice softened. Sometimes he simply looked upward without speaking. Once, I noticed tears gathering in his eyes during prayer, and I looked away quickly, embarrassed by witnessing something so private.

Faith changes people in subtle ways.

The first time I saw the Kaaba, I forgot every sentence I had rehearsed in my mind.

For years I had imagined what that moment would feel like. I thought perhaps there would be dramatic emotion, sudden crying, some extraordinary certainty descending into my heart. Instead, what came first was silence.

Not outside me – around me thousands of people moved and prayed and recited – but inside.

The Kaaba stood at the centre of everything with a simplicity that almost startled me. No palace. No throne. Just a black cube toward which millions turn their faces every day. And suddenly I understood something difficult to explain: faith is not always thunderous. Sometimes it arrives quietly, removing noise from within you.

I cried later.

Not because I had planned to, but because I began thinking of every prayer I had delayed, every moment I had acted selfishly, every time I hurt someone and pretended not to notice. In ordinary life, distractions protect us from confronting ourselves. School, phones, conversations, routines – they keep the soul occupied. But here, surrounded by people asking Allah for mercy, your own imperfections become impossible to ignore.

I prayed for forgiveness with a sincerity I had never known before.

Not only for major sins, but for smaller failures too: for impatience with my mother, for prayers rushed carelessly, for envy, for arrogance hidden even from myself. At 17, one imagines sin dramatically, as something obvious and enormous. But standing near the Kaaba, I realised how many quiet flaws live inside us unnoticed.

And yet Hajj is not only about guilt. It is also about hope.

Everywhere I look, I see humanity stripped of its usual divisions. Rich and poor walk side by side. Languages dissolve into the same invocations. A woman from Indonesia wipes tears beside a man from Nigeria. An old Kashmiri couple sits near pilgrims from Turkey sharing dates and water. The world outside often feels fractured by borders, sects, politics, and suspicion. But here, for brief moments, humanity feels gathered into a single prayer.

At night in the hotel, I sometimes struggle to sleep. I think about how temporary life is. Back home, my worries often revolve around exams, friendships, appearance, the future. Those things still matter to me; I am still 17. But Hajj rearranges priorities in strange ways. It reminds you that beneath ambition and anxiety, every human being is simply searching for meaning and mercy.

I think often about Kashmir while praying here. I pray for our homes, our wounded histories, our exhausted people. I pray for children growing up amid uncertainty. I pray for mothers waiting for peace that never fully arrives. I pray for our rivers and mountains and graveyards. Distance sharpens love; being away from home has made me realise how deeply Kashmir lives inside me.

During Tawaf, moving with thousands around the Kaaba, I felt something I had never experienced before: the sensation of becoming part of a current larger than myself. Everyone circling together, generation after generation, century after century, repeating the same devotion. The world changes endlessly – technologies, governments, wars, fashions – yet this movement continues unchanged.

There is comfort in that continuity.

I used to think spirituality meant becoming someone perfect. But perhaps it means becoming honest instead. Honest about weakness. Honest about longing. Honest about needing Allah.

One evening after prayers, I sat quietly watching pilgrims flow through the courtyard of the Haram like rivers of white cloth. I realised then that Hajj is not really an escape from ordinary life. It is preparation for returning to it differently.

Soon I will go back to Kashmir. Back to classrooms, family routines, unfinished plans, and familiar streets. I will still be imperfect. I will still make mistakes. Faith does not erase humanity.

But I hope I return softer.

I hope I remember this feeling when life becomes loud again – the feeling of standing before Allah with nothing hidden, asking simply to be forgiven and guided.

At 17, I do not yet understand the world fully. Perhaps nobody ever does. But here in Makkah, beneath the same sky under which millions have prayed before me, I feel certain of one thing: The human heart was created to search for Allah, and sometimes the journey toward Him begins by finally admitting how lost you are without Him.

About the Author

Fatima Muhammad is a science student aspiring to be a doctor. She writes to explore faith, memory, and the quiet emotional landscapes of everyday Kashmir life.

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