From traditional melodies to new-age stages, the cultural platform returns with auditions, mentorship, recording opportunities and a growing ecosystem for young artists
Srinagar, September 18: Kashmir’s folk music is getting a new generation of ambassadors.
Fankar-E-Kashmir (FEK) is returning for its fourth season, bringing together young musicians, cultural practitioners, institutions and industry stakeholders in an effort to give Kashmir’s traditional music a stronger contemporary presence.
The initiative, conceptualised and driven by ShowCase Events, The Eagle and Kashmir Rabab Academy, will culminate in a grand finale on 28 September at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
What began four years ago as an effort to address the declining visibility of traditional Kashmiri music among younger audiences has steadily evolved into a broader cultural platform, one that seeks not only to preserve folk traditions but also to give young artists opportunities to learn, experiment, perform and build professional careers.
Season 4 expands that approach with live auditions, knowledge sessions, mentorship and studio recording opportunities, taking FEK beyond the conventional format of a music competition or stage show.
Angelina Fernandes, Founder, The Eagle, said the initiative has grown significantly since its first edition.
“Fankar-E-Kashmir, founded four years ago, successfully staged its inaugural event against steep odds. Since then, it has steadily grown, successfully reigniting a passion for local folk music among the youth of the region.”
Fernandes said the fourth season reflects a larger ambition to connect Kashmiri artists with opportunities beyond the Valley.
«“What began as a series of passionate discussions about the decline of traditional regional music has evolved into a thriving platform. The upcoming season represents a significant expansion for FEK, which aims to maximise its impact by ensuring artists receive recognition and professional opportunities on both national and global stages.”
For Nazir Ganaie, journalist, artist, filmmaker and Founder of Kashmir Rabab Academy, the initiative is about creating a larger cultural community around Kashmiri music.
“Fankar-E-Kashmir is more than a platform for musicians. It is a space where artists, performers, government functionaries and other stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, to make the world of Kashmiri music richer, more inclusive and more connected.”
He said the objective is not to freeze tradition in time.
“Traditional voices are not merely preserved but encouraged to evolve, compete and find a global audience. Our folk traditions carry extraordinary depth and identity, and platforms like this can help take these voices from Kashmir to the world.”
A growing cultural ecosystem
Season 4 is also witnessing a wider network of partners coming together around the initiative.
Sustainnovate Research & Advocacy Foundation (SIRAF) has joined Fankar-E-Kashmir as its NGO partner, supporting its broader cultural and youth-focused mission.
The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) has also joined the initiative in its mission to support and encourage young talent, strengthening the institutional support around the platform.
The RAAB Foundation, meanwhile, has come on board as the Title Sponsor, supporting the initiative’s larger cultural vision and its efforts to create meaningful platforms for artists.
The partnerships reflect the organisers’ attempt to build a sustainable ecosystem around traditional music, connecting performers not only with audiences but also with institutions, mentors and the wider creative industry.
Nanni Singh, Chief Executive, ShowCase Events, described FEK as an initiative that has grown from a passion project into a movement.
“A passion that has now become a movement is what Fankar-E-Kashmir means to me. Entering Season 4 feels surreal and deeply rewarding. Fankar-E-Kashmir has proven that when you give local talent the right platform, tradition and future merge brilliantly.”
She said the long-term vision is to create a cultural economy that can give young artists wider opportunities.
“We want to build a lasting cultural economy, empower our youth with national platforms, and ensure the world continues to feel the true, unadulterated soul of the Valley.”
With auditions, mentorship, knowledge sessions and recording opportunities forming part of Season 4, organisers say the initiative is increasingly focused on creating pathways for young artists beyond a single performance.
The journey will culminate on 28 September at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, where Season 4 will bring together emerging performers, cultural practitioners, institutions and supporters of Kashmir’s artistic traditions.
For FEK, the larger question is no longer simply how to preserve Kashmir’s musical heritage, but how to ensure that its next generation gets the opportunity to carry it forward, reinterpret it and take it to the world.This version is designed to read like a newspaper weekend feature or culture-page story, while keeping the partnerships and quotes prominent.
