What is Darbar Move in Jammu and Kashmir? All about 150-year-old practice

A contingent of Jammu and Kashmir Police present a guard of honor to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the opening of offices at the Civil Secretariat Building in Srinagar on May 4, 2026. | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the annual shift of the capital from Srinagar to Jammu, continuing the practice of the historic Darbar Move for the second year after it was stopped in 2021.

Here’s a look at the 150-year-old Darbar Move tradition, why it was stopped by the Lt. Governor’s administration and later revived in 2025.

What is Darbar Move in J&K?

The Darbar Move is a more than 150-year-old practice dating back to Dogra times, where the state capital is moved twice a year. As is customary, the civil secretariat of the state shuttles between the summer capital Srinagar and the winter capital Jammu.

The practice of shifting top offices, including those of the governor, chief minister, his ministerial colleagues, bureaucrats and police officers, was started by the Dogra maharajas to escape the summer heat of Jammu and the harsh winters of the valley.

After 1947, when the state acceded to India, Dogra rule came to an abrupt end, but the practice of moving the highest offices between Jammu and Srinagar did not.

As the practice of moving offices owes itself to Dogra tradition and times, it is still known as ‘Darbar Move’.

The move to the valley takes place every year at the end of April and before winter sets in, the Darbar moves back to Jammu at the end of October. Around 151 government departments are relocating offices as part of Darbar Move and more than 10,000 employees are relocating.

This year, the J&K government will shift to the winter capital of Jammu in the first week of November.

Quoting a government order, the PTI report said five-day week offices will close in Srinagar on October 30, 2026 (Friday) after office hours and six-day week offices will close on October 31, 2026 (Saturday) after office hours.

All offices in Jammu are scheduled to reopen on November 2.

Why Darbar Move was stopped

Darbar Movement’s move was halted by J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha in June 2021, citing the administration’s move to e-office, which he said would save around ₹200 million annually.

Also Read: Jammu & Kashmir’s 149-year-old tradition of capital movement ends

The decision drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including Jammu’s business community, which termed the move a blow to trade and the traditional bond between the two regions. Since then, they have been pushing for a revival of the practice.

Earlier in May 2020, the J&K High Court suggested that the “Darbar Move” “results in the wastage of an enormous amount of time, effort and energy in inefficient and unnecessary activity.” “It is a tax on the security forces as well. It breeds inefficiency and leads to poor governance,” the court observed.

When Darbar Move was revived after 4 years

Darbar Move was revived by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in 2025, a year after he assumed office.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inspects the guard of honor at the Civil Secretariat Complex in Srinagar on May 4, 2026. The Civil Secretariat Complex houses the office of the CM and his colleagues. The Civil Secretariat and other government offices were shifted back to Srinagar after functioning for 6 months from Jammu as per the ancient custom of moving from the Durbar. | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR

The historic practice was resumed on 3 November 2025, marking the return of government offices to the winter capital after a four-year hiatus. By reviving a century-old tradition, the Chief Minister fulfilled a key election promise and received a grand welcome in Jammu.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 13:06 IST