Baramulla, May 24 (KNS) : In a bid to promote and preserve the traditional and cultural festivals of Jammu and Kashmir so that the younger generations are linked to their roots, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Srinagar with an active collaboration of District administration Baramulla today kick started 03 days long Pahari Cultural Festival here at Mini Stadium Uri during which a variety of cultural and linguistic items including Pahari Tarana, Musical Items, Mushaira and Pahari Folk Dance are being presented depicting the importance of the Pahari culture.
The 03 Days Pahari Cultural Festival was today inaugurated by Chief guest, Chairperson District Development Council Baramulla Safeena Beigh and witnessed a participation of Director Tourism Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo as a special guest , SDM Uri Harvinder Singh (IAS) and all the senior officers of district, students, poets, writers, musicians, cultural activists besides a large number of people across the district.
At the outset, Chief guest along with guest of honor and other concerned inspected various kinds of stalls that were installed on the occasion depicting the culture, heritage and language of the region.
On the first day of the festival, a series of performances were showcased which reflects the cultural ethos of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, the poets and some renowned artists of valley together mesmerized the audience with their performance, which was equally received with great applause.
The Artists presented patriotic songs and renowned poets recited their patriotic poems in Urdu, Gojri and Pahari. A variety of cultural items were also presented which received a quite applause from the participants.
Addressing at the event, Chairperson District Development Council Baramulla, Safeena Beigh referred to the richness of Pahari language and said that it is the dominant language in Sub division Uri and has a great historic importance. She said that this socio linguistic group has been classified in the First Linguistic Survey of India.
Elucidating further, Safeena Beigh said that Pahari Culture is a rich tradition with distinct traditional Attires , Folk Songs and Language and it is the prime responsibility of all Paharis to preserve the Cultural and Linguistic traditions of the area.
The Director Tourism Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of preserving and protecting the culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that these festivals help increase tourism and cultural exchange in the union territory as the tourists visiting here across the country or abroad show keen interest in knowing the culture and heritage of the region. He further stated that JK Tourism encourages these cultural festivals as it gives boost to the tourism sector.
He further termed the programme as a grand step in enhancing the popularity of Pahari languages.
Other speakers also stressed upon the fact that promotion of those languages is inevitable for the development of the society, as they stand as the mark of identity for the people.
Moreover various poets read their works wherein more stress was laid on promoting the languages and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)