Srinagar, March 20 -- In Kashmir however, the festival has sadly attained sectarian connotation and this has decreased its significance for the general public.

"It is sad Nauroz in Kashmir has been associated with a sect and seen from a sectarian perspective", saidProf G. N. Khaki, former Director of the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir. Prof Khaki believes thatthis spring festival belongsto the whole Muslim community.

"This year, it is coinciding with the month of Ramazan, which has doubled its essence, and we should be grateful to God for the kind of bounties he has provided us with. Life is infused into all things on this day and it signifies rebirth" he said.

He further said that there is nothing wrong i...