It is definitely a Merry Christmas for Kashmir as one of oldest church of Srinagar that was abandoned for decades finally gets back to its original glory.
For the Christian community in Srinagar, there would not have been a better gift than this. One of the oldest church in Srinagar city’s Dalgate area which left in deteriorating condition is finally getting renovated and is getting its old glory back.
After three decades again the walls of 125-year-old St. Luke’s church will listen to the prayers of worshipers and Christmas carols.
It was back in 1896 when this church was built by two Christian men called Arthur and Ernest Neve. Reverend Eric in Srinagar said that government consulted them before doing anything and locals around are very happy that once again church will have prayers. Further added that the church was established in 1896 and it shows the history of Christianity in Kashmir.
Reportedly, Jammu and Kashmir government took the initiative to restore the church on Christmas. Many artisans and labourers were involved to restore this heritage site. In April, last year the work of renovation was initiated and is part of the restoration of historic buildings and conservation of old shrines of all faiths under the J&K Tourism Department’s ‘Smart City Mission’.
Athar Amin, Commissioner SMC said that inside interiors of the church have a unique Khatamband ceiling which was in dilapidated condition and there were structural issues but now the main structural issues have been restored as well as external facade has been restored.
In an attempt to boost tourism government has been planning to restore all of the heritage structures and government plans to keep this heritage church a must-go place for the visitors coming to Kashmir Valley.
