Thousands of Muslim villagers in Indian-administered Kashmir gathered at a 15th-century Sufi saint’s hilltop shrine for the annual torch festival, also known as the Zool Festival. Devotees lit wooden torches to honour the revered saint, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the paddy sowing season. Many believe this traditional torch festival commemorates the saint's victory over a demon that once terrorized local villagers. Flames illuminated the forested hillside as people paid obeisance at the mausoleum and took part in festivities that included traditional folk singing and musical performances.