Celebrations in Jammu as J&K observes holiday on Dogra monarch’s anniversary after 75 years

The L-G’s administration earlier this week announced a holiday on the birth anniversary of the Maharaja

After 75 years, Jammu and Kashmir observed a holiday on the birth anniversary of Dogra monarch Maharaja Hari Singh on Friday and was marked by cake-cutting and street celebrations in parts of the Jammu region.

The Lieutenant Governor’s (L-G) administration earlier this week announced a holiday on the birth anniversary of the Maharaja, who signed the Instrument of Accession with India in 1947 and later shifted outside J&K in 1949 after the popular government saw a rise of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. 

Several groups from Jammu had been demanding holiday to acknowledge the work of the Maharaja for many years.  

Senior leaders and activists of Jammu-based Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) and BJP held street celebrations on Thursday night to welcome the decision of the L-G administration. Leaders of the YRS cut cakes in front the statue installed in Jammu city. Sweets were distributed by the BJP in the Jammu city at mid-night.

“The holiday is a befitting tribute to the Maharaja. This is a day of joy for the Duggar society. All should celebrate it like Diwali,” YRS leader Happy Singh said.

The BJP also distributed around 127 kilos of ‘ladoos’ on the occasion. BJP activists raised slogans like “Maharaja Hari Singh Ji Amar Rahe” (Long live Maharaja) and “Jai Duggar Jai Dogra” (Victory to Duggar society). 

“This is Maharaja’s 127th birth anniversary. Entire J&K has participated in the celebrations,” BJP State president Ravinder Raina, who danced on the occasion, said.