Srinagar, March 17 -- From CM's banquet to army's outreach and first-of-its-kind iftar for transgender community this Ramzan, Valley sees surge in gatherings amplified by social media.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the tradition of iftar parties has evolved into a key tool for community outreach, with political parties, the Indian Army, and the police using these gatherings to foster communal harmony and public connection. While the practice is not new, social media has amplified the reach of these events this time, where photos and videos of shared meals are used to project an accessible and culturally integrated image of various institutions.

Dozens of iftar parties have been organised across the Valley this year, hosted by ministers, top off...