essay on communal harmony in kashmir
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The bell was damaged in a fire incident in 1967. Since then, the Church was without bells.
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Highlighting the Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos, an inter-religious ceremony was held for the occasion at Catholic Church on MA Road. The church bell was ringed by parish priest Fr Roy Matthews along with Muslim cleric, Manzoor Ahmad Malik, representative of Mahjoor Nagar Gurdawara, Saranjeet Singh and a Hindu priest.
These representatives of all major religious faiths came together on a single platform and held the rope together and rang the bell for the first time after 50 years in the Church.
“Today’s occasion showcases mutual respect and acceptance of different religious views, for which Kashmir is known. Composite Kashmiri culture has always stood against all odds and such events further instill faith in pluralistic ethos of the Valley,” said FR. Roy Mathews.
“This event today marked a message to all communities that the human race is one, sharing a single human nature,” he added.
Weighing 105 kilograms, so far the largest bell in Jammu and Kashmir, was recently installed in the Holy Family Church.
Built in 1896, the British-era Church and its belfry had suffered severe damage in an arson incident in 1967. Since then the church had no bells.
"Traditionally, a church bell is used to call worshipers to the church for a prayer service and announcing the time of daily prayer, something analogous to the Islamic tradition of azaan from a minaret. They are also rung on special occasions such as a wedding or a funeral service," said Sydney Rath- a local parishioner,
“It was a small gesture of love and affection by the tiny community, to share its happiness with others. There are about 30 Christian families, both Catholics and Protestants, livi
Answer:
There are so many nice places on the earth. They are scattered across the country. Every place has its own distinct features. Some places have scenic beauty in abundance while many are famous for their architectural wonders. In addition every person has different tastes, choices and likings. Several people enjoy the sight of scenic beauty; some are attracted towards places of historical and archaeological interests. A few may be interested in visiting places of religious importance.
I have visited so many places of historical and tourist interest. But the visit which has a lasting impression on my mind is the visit of Kashmir. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It is said to be the heaven on earth. It has the accolade of being “The Switzerland of India”. I was wonderstruck to see the ravishing beauty of Kashmir. With snow-clad mountains, tall-trees of Chinar, lush green plains and valleys, Kashmir is one of the most bewitching places on earth. It has been a great attraction for the tourists all across the country and abroad as well.
Kashmir is located in the Himalayan region. It is widely famous for its rich flora and fauna. The place holds great importance for the tourists who want to visit religious places. Kashmir is the home of deities and bounties. Kashmir has historical monuments, picturesque spots, enchanting landscapes and green forests in abundance. Some rare species of wild animals are found in the high altitude of Kashmir. Kashmir has been the abode of saints and sages. It is the land of gods and goddesses. Its serpentine rivers, huge calm lakes, mighty waterfalls, long lines of cypress trees are some of the delightful attractions for the tourists.
Wild strawberries are grown all over the Kashmir. Varieties of flowers add to the beauty of Kashmir. It is one of the best natural spots of India. Its exquisite scenery, superb sights, green fields combine to add to the grandeur of this God-gifted paradise on earth. Apart from the scenic beauty, the Shalimar and Nishaat Bagh, have great historical importance. They were built by Mughal King Jehangir.
The Chashme Shahi is known for its medicinal values. The Tattapani or the Sulphur lake water is believed to cure different types of skin diseases. Gulmarg and Sonmarg are the trekker’s trails. Chandanwari, Verinag, Anantnag and Nagin Lake are worth seeing places. The scene of Dal Lake with houseboats and their reflections in still waters of the lake present an impressive sight. The cave of Amarnath where the temple of Lord Shiva is located is a marvellous place for the religious tourists. Situated at a height of 15,000 ft., it is crowded during the month of September-October. Besides, there are shrines of historical and religious interest. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit these places from all across the country.
Kashmir is abundantly endowed with some of the best hill stations in India. They are Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Khilanmarg. Apart from having great scenic attraction, these places are good health resorts. Khilanmarg is the best place where tree-line ends in Kashmir.
All these and many more like its cultural hues, narrow ravines and gorges as well as hills and dales make it a heavenly abode on earth. Indeed, the beauty of Kashmir is enchanting.