“From Pheran fashion show to Kangri-making, festival keeps art and culture alive. Absence of platforms restricting young artists”
Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, Dec 20: With the aim to promote Kashmiri art, culture, folk songs and provide opportunity to youths to showcase their talent Indian Army in Bandipora on Friday conducts Kashmiruk Fankaar Season III in Nadim Memorial Higher Secondary school Bandipora.
The grand finale witnessed participation from Bollywood actors, local artists and hundreds of local artists, athletes and students from different schools.
Famous Kashmiri comedy king Quyoom Badshah, who takes part in the event while speaking with the Kashmir Despatch said initiatives like Kashmiruk Fankaar goes beyond performance opportunities. “This platform has not only provided space for artists to perform but has also helped promote and preserve Kashmiri art, culture and traditions. It has attracted a large number of young people who actively participated and showed interest in cultural activities,” she said.
He also said that in absence of platforms these programmes provide opportunity to young people to.showcase their talent.
Another artist Nazir Josh said that after the closure of Doodarshan artists like him are left with no work. “Hundreds of artists who were directly indirectly working with Doordrashan are now either working as laborers or some drivers. If authorities continue to provide opportunities Kashmir will have a lot of talent which will keep its unique cultural tradition alive,” he added.
Major General Tushar Sharma, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Kilo Force, attended the event as the chief guest. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib and Senior Superintendent of Police Ajaz Zargar were also present, along with senior Army officers and local civil administration officials.
Launched in 2023, Kashmiruk Fankaar has steadily expanded in scale and participation, emerging as a key platform for showcasing traditional and contemporary Kashmiri art forms.
The event also promotes Kashmiri Pheran culture through its fashion show in which students of different schools participated.
Faisal Ali Dar, Padmasharee awardee from Bandipira told Kashmir Despatch that these segments promote Kashmiri culture and art which the young generation refused to adopt.
“Several competitions in Kangri making, painting, sports and folk songs who been held in which local youths participated and showcased their talent. Bandipora is known for its art and all that is needed as a platform to young artists and athletes so they can shine globally.”
Local athletes like Sabkat Malik who took part in Season III said that the event was conducted in three phases. The first phase focused on sports and physical activities to promote discipline and teamwork. The second phase centred on social awareness and responsible citizenship. The final phase featured cultural competitions including singing, dancing, painting and traditional Kangri-making, reflecting Kashmir’s artistic and cultural traditions.
She said that such initiatives play a key role in youth development. “These programmes motivate young people towards physical fitness and also create awareness about drug abuse, which has affected and devastated many lives,” she said.
Another artist and painter Seerat Tariq line said that such programmes are important as it does not only provide a platform to youths but spreads awareness about pollution and drugs which has devastated lives of many youths.
She also said that from the first day to the last day the youth participation in the event was high as compared to.last years because of its several engaging activities which motivates them and keeps them physically fit.
The event saw different cultural programmes also in which famous singers like Ishfaq Kawa, local students and other band groups performed.
The programme concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to promoting cultural preservation, youth engagement and social awareness in North Kashmir.
