Srinagar, October 29: The Cultural Unit Kashmir of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) organised a day-long cultural programme featuring poetry and live music at the Pt. Bhajan Sopori Auditorium in Srinagar on Thursday, bringing together poets, writers, musicians and other members of the region’s cultural community.
Titled “Hansi Ke Rang, Sangeet Ke Sang,” the programme featured a humorous mushaira and a live performance by Kohinoor Band, highlighting the role of literature, music and humour in promoting Kashmir’s artistic traditions.
The event was presided over by Director Information Mamta Yadav and attended by Joint Director Headquarters Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Deputy Director Information PR Javaid Ahmad Rather, Deputy Director Information (Central) Kashmir Zubair Ahmed, Deputy Director PR Kashmir Mohammad Rafiq Zullah and Cultural Officer Abdul Raqib Bhat, among other officials and cultural figures.
The mushaira featured poets Ayub Sabir, Nazir Josh, Yousuf Gulshan, Amin Ashraf, Taseer Afzal, Muzaffar Hussain Dilbar, Jahangir Ahmad Shah, Dr Shaida Hussain, Shabir Hakak and Ghulam Nabi Aajiz. Their satirical and humorous compositions entertained the audience and encouraged engagement with Kashmiri literary traditions.
Kohinoor Band presented a live musical performance, adding to the programme’s focus on cultural expression and entertainment.
Addressing the gathering, Yadav emphasised the importance of providing platforms for artists, poets, musicians and performers to showcase their work. She said cultural programmes could help preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic and literary heritage while encouraging creativity and bringing communities together.
Yadav also said the department would endeavour to organise such programmes every month to provide artists with regular opportunities to perform, reach wider audiences and develop their talent.
Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari thanked the participating artists, writers, poets and scholars for contributing to the promotion of the region’s cultural heritage. Cultural Officer Abdul Raqib Bhat also expressed gratitude to the participants and audience.
Conducting the proceedings, Assistant Exhibition and Cultural Officer Syed Shakeel Shan said the Cultural Unit Kashmir remained committed to promoting local talent and preserving the region’s artistic traditions.
The department also announced plans to organise music and theatre talent hunts to identify and encourage emerging performers from across Jammu and Kashmir.
Participating artists and poets were felicitated by the Director Information in recognition of their contributions to the programme.
