Srinagar: Nauroz, which is also observed as World Arbour Day, was celebrated in the Kashmir valley today, when a massive plantation drive has been launched across the valley.
The authorities have already announced to plant lakhs of saplings of different varieties in educational institutions and other areas during the month-long drive.
A number of seminars and meetings are being organized today to highlight the importance of planting saplings and saving environment.
The festival has important cultural and religious significance and in Kashmir, the members of Shia community are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety every year on this day when day and night are equal.
It is seen as arrival of Spring season in Kashmir and is celebrated for 9 days all over India. The Navroz festival of the Shia Muslims comes a week after the New Year day.
The Shia Muslims celebrate this 9-day festival with good eating and activities showing a spirit of gay abandon, in contrast to recitation of religious dirges that characterize most of their festivals. Member of the Shia muslim prepare special dishes, including fish, meat, chicken and Nadroo. Navroz Festival is celebrated with equal triumph and glory and muslims wear new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. The festival is celebrated with fun and frolic and every Muslim wishes their families and friends Navroz Mubarak.
The Muslims attend special congregational prayers held only for this occasion in mosques in large open areas, stadiums or arenas. The prayer is generally short, and is followed by a sermon. Worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace and love after the congregational prayer is over. After the special prayers and merriment, Muslims visit the homes of their relatives and friends to thank Allah and ask for His blessings.
Meanwhile, Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti greeted people on the occasion of Nauroz .
In his message of felicitations, the Governor observed that this festival has important cultural and religious significance and appealed that one and all should join hands in planting trees for saving our rapidly deteriorating environment.
The Governor hoped that this auspicious day would be the harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State.
Chief Minister in her message on the occasion, the Chief Minister hoped the festival, which she said has religious and cultural significance, becomes harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
This day also marks the beginning of plantation season in the State.
Mehbooba Mufti appealed people to join hands on this occasion in planting more and more trees for preserving the environment
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