Lal Chowk, standing tall. The Clock Tower was built in 1980 with flourishing market of Srinagar. A business hub in Kashmir, named after market place, Red Square in Moscow.
A comparison can be made by viewing the maps of both the places in which one can see that both are populated with a number of shops and places to visit. Tourists visit this historical monument place to experience the culture of Kashmir through the market by lanes, eatery shops. Unlike Red Square, Lal Chowk doesn’t have any river flowing around next to it but the famous Dal Lake is in the vicinity. Important religious, cultural and political processions, highlights and photographs are witness of its symbolic significance.
The market surrounding, the Lal Chowk is magnificent and anyone can venture into the art, craft and social set up through the souvenirs. There are multi cuisine authentic Kashmiri food restaurants. There are multiple kind of textile, leather goods, mobile and dry fruit shops around the Lal Chowk. Lal Chowk is equivalent in its name and well known as an old business centre since decades in Srinagar like famous Delhi’s Connaught Place. Its an attraction centre for local and outside tourists.
At this very place Pandit Nehru then Prime Minister addressed Kashmiri people for first time after its accession to India. The Clock Tower in Lal Chowk has always held a significant importance and many great leaders have also tried to hoist the Tiranga atop the Clock Tower though could not succeed. On the occasion of 73rd Republic Day, the Local Administration and NGOs organised a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Lal Chowk followed by singing of the National Anthem uphold the pride of India.
In present times the Lal Chowk continues to hold paramount importance for one and all. At national level it is the place know how for the citizens of this country since a couple of decades. Everyday in the evening, the red brick tower is illuminated with the tricolor, increasing the majestic symbolism of the place. Lal Chowk remains the mute spectator of the historical, political and cultural revolution of the state.
Kashmir RootStock 