Srinagar: An Ahmedabad tourist made a striking appearance at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk on Independence Day after painting his body in the colours of the Indian Tricolour and carrying the national flag.
Arun Haryani, who has been travelling to Kashmir regularly since 2022, arrived at the prominent city landmark with miniature national symbols and the Tricolour as he joined the Independence Day celebrations.
His unusual patriotic display quickly attracted attention from visitors and locals at Lal Chowk. Children in particular gathered around Haryani as he interacted with people and posed with the national flag.
Haryani said his trips to Kashmir have become closely linked with important national occasions. He makes a special effort to visit the Valley around Independence Day and Republic Day, describing the experience as a source of personal pride.
Speaking about his experience, Haryani said the response from children and people around him made the occasion particularly memorable. He also expressed happiness over the changes he has observed in Srinagar since his first visit several years ago.
The tourist said Kashmir appeared to be progressing and expressed his hope that the region would continue to witness peace, happiness and development.
A recurring visit to Kashmir
For Haryani, the trip was more than a regular holiday. He said returning to the Valley during national celebrations allows him to combine his love for Kashmir with his expression of patriotism.
During his interaction with people at Lal Chowk, he raised patriotic slogans and spoke about the sense of pride he feels while celebrating national occasions in the region.
His appearance also became a point of interest for people at the busy public square, where the Tricolour and patriotic activities marked Independence Day.
Lal Chowk has long been one of Srinagar’s most recognisable public spaces and has played a prominent role in the political and public life of Jammu and Kashmir. The landmark has also remained a focal point for national events and public celebrations.
As Independence Day was observed across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryani’s Tricolour-painted appearance offered a distinctive moment amid the celebrations in Srinagar.
Standing at Lal Chowk with the national flag, he reiterated his wishes for peace and prosperity in Kashmir and said he hoped to see the region continue on its path of development.
For the Ahmedabad-based visitor, the repeated journeys to Kashmir since 2022 have turned into a personal tradition. His latest visit combined that connection with the Valley and his Independence Day celebrations, as he used the occasion to convey a message centred on patriotism, peace and hope for Kashmir’s future.
