Jammu Celebrates Historic Return of 'Darbar Move' After Four-Year Suspension

The historic 'Darbar Move' tradition, initially established by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872, has made its triumphant return to Jammu after a four-year suspension.

Jammu city burst into celebration as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah walked through local markets on his way to the Civil Secretariat, marking the official reopening of the winter capital. The chief minister received an unprecedented welcome, with traders and residents showering him with flower petals in Raghunath Bazar and surrounding areas—notably a BJP stronghold.

The enthusiastic reception came as Abdullah fulfilled his campaign promise to restore the 150-year-old tradition that was discontinued during central government rule in 2021. The crowd chanted slogans celebrating the revival of this historic practice, creating a scene of jubilation rarely witnessed during previous 'Darbar Move' inaugurations.

The biannual shift of the capital—Srinagar in summer and Jammu in winter—was halted by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in 2021, following the abrogation of Article 370. The administration had claimed the move would save approximately Rs 200 crore annually as a cost-cutting measure.

However, the suspension proved detrimental to Jammu's economy, prompting persistent calls from the business community for its reinstatement. Many regional stakeholders view the 'Darbar Move' as more than an administrative practice—it represents regional coexistence and communal harmony within Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference had made restoring this tradition a central component of its election manifesto.

Upon reaching the Civil Secretariat, Abdullah received a guard of honor from police forces and was warmly welcomed by government employees. With the tradition fully restored, all high-level government offices have resumed operations from Jammu, the designated winter capital.

Abdullah emphasized his commitment to regional balance, stating, "It was injustice with the people of Jammu. It had deeply hurt Jammu and Kashmir's regional balance. By re-establishing the 'Darbar Move', I have removed that injustice."

The 'Darbar Move' tradition was originally instituted to ensure administrative accessibility for residents of both regions, with the capital shifting between Jammu in winter and Srinagar in summer.

Despite the tradition's restoration, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has issued a separate directive requiring his home department and related departments to maintain functioning offices in both Srinagar and Jammu simultaneously.