City News

17/08/2026

* The Annual Gathering At Khanqah Naqshband .

*SRINAGAR, J&K* — the annual spiritual congregation at the historic Khanqah Naqshband Sahab in Khwaja Dyar, Srinagar,

the Khanqah is a centuries-old center associated with the descendants of elders from the Naqshbandi Sufi order. Every year, tens of thousands of devotees gather here for a spiritual assembly centered on the teachings of "Islam and Humanity."

"Today as well, I was not allowed to address the gathering. I was kept confined at home," he said. "Thousands of people come here every year with great anticipation for this spiritual congregation."

He claimed the restriction was imposed because of "different political opinions" and because he speaks on social and religious issues.

Calling the move "extremely unfortunate and shameful," he said it amounts to a ban on the religious rights of Muslims. He urged the elected government to take note and raise the issue, and to pressure authorities to end such restrictions on religious gatherings in both the Kashmir Valley and Jammu.

Khanqah Naqshband Sahab is one of Srinagar’s most prominent shrines and witnesses large congregations, especially during Eid Milad-un-Nabi and other religious occasions.

17/08/2026

I Love Them Like My Children": Meet Srinagar’s Man With a Lifelong Bond With Pigeons

SRINAGAR* — On a quiet rooftop in Downtown Srinagar, *Mohammad Shafi, 58*, begins his day before sunrise. His first task is not for himself, but for the 200+ pigeons that live with him.

For over three decades, Shafi has been caring for pigeons — feeding them, treating them when sick, and flying them every evening over the rooftops of the old city.

*"I love them like my children,"* Shafi says as he scatters grain and watches the flock circle above. *"They know my voice. If I am late, they wait for me."*

Locals know him as the _'Kabootar Wala Chacha'_. Since the early 1990s, Shafi has built lofts on his terrace and raised different breeds including _Kashmiri Highflyers, Lakha and Teddy_.

His daily routine includes cleaning cages, arranging feed, and nursing injured birds. He says most of his earnings go toward their care.

Children from the neighborhood often gather to watch him fly the pigeons — a practice locally called kabootar bazi_ that has been part of Srinagar’s culture for generations.
For Shafi, the birds are more than a hobby.
Veterinarians and bird enthusiasts in the Valley say caretakers like Shafi play a key role in preserving traditional Kashmiri pigeon breeds that are slowly declining.

To residents, the sight of Shafi’s flock circling the skyline has become familiar.
*"We grew up watching his pigeons,"* says a local shopkeeper. *"For us, it’s part of Srinagar."*

17/08/2026

SMC Marks 80th Independence Day in Srinagar

*lHaseeb

Srinagar, August 15: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at its headquarters in Karanagar. SMC Commissioner Faz L*l Haseeb, IAS, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of senior officers, officials and staff.

Addressing the gathering, Haseeb paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs and called upon SMC officials to uphold the values of independence through dedicated, transparent and citizen-centric public service.

The celebrations also featured musical and cultural performances showcasing Srinagar’s rich heritage. The programme Hnn concluded with a renewed commitment by the SMC fraternity to strengthen civic services and work towards a cleaner, greener and more inclusive Srinagar.

16/08/2026

16/08/2026

The vibe of this "mega Tiranga rally" in Pahalgam is totally positive 🇮🇳

Started today, 16th August. It's part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign running across India from 9th to 17th August.
Started from the Pahalgam Development Authority office and will go till Betaab Valley, where a small program will also be held.
CEO Pahalgam Development Authority himself led the rally on an *ATV Bike*. Along with him were SDPO Pahalgam, Traffic Police, SDM Pahalgam, J&K Police, Tourism Dept, *ATV operators*, Ponywalas, *taxi operators* and other local stakeholders.
Pahalgam Hosts Mega Tiranga Rally Under 'Har Ghar Tiranga', CEO Leads on ATV Bike

Pahalgam, August 16* — As part of the nationwide 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign from August 9 to 17, a mega Tiranga rally was organized in Pahalgam today to promote tourism and spread the message that "Pahalgam is safe".

The rally commenced from the office of the Pahalgam Development Authority and culminated at Betaab Valley, where a brief program was held.

PDA CEO led the rally riding an *ATV Bike*. He was joined by SDPO Pahalgam, SDM, Traffic Police, J&K Police, Tourism Department officials, *ATV operators*, ponywalas, and *taxi operators* along with other local stakeholders. All participants carried the national flag.

15/08/2026

CM Omar Abdullah, during his Independence Day address, referred to the Jantar Mantar protests while speaking about and states’ rights.

15/08/2026

Mehbooba M***i on Constitution and Independence at Bakshi Stadium.

15/08/2026

Glimpses of programmes during the Day celebrations at GDC Boys Anantnag.

15/08/2026

Hillway Public School Performing on 80th independence day Celebrations in Pahalgam