Bani , Kathua Apr 14 :-On the concluding day of Cultural and Craft Mela organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, scintillating performances by the seasonal artists were showcased which enthralled the august gathering. The main aim was to celebrate the auspicious Baisakhi Mela in scenic Bani valley which proved to be the crowd puller. Additional Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Sanjeev Rana while addressing the gathering shared that the main goal of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is to take the culture to every household so that the young guns get to know their roots. Further he said that we are all putting all out effort to showcase the rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir. He also thanked Joginder Singh Jasrotia SDM Bani, Media and Police department for their unconditional support. The Mela was organized with the support of District Administration, Kathua.
For the promotion and preservation of the traditional and cultural festivals of Jammu & Kashmir, a scheme by the name: “Scheme for Promotion of Traditional and Cultural Festivals of Jammu & Kashmir” has been introduced by the Government in the Department of Culture. In this series, Bani was the first to witness Cultural Festival in the series of events.
Two day mela which was inaugurated yesterday by Sanjeev Rana (JKAS) Additional Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Joginder Singh Jasrotia, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bani was a grand success on both the days which received huge applauds from the august gathering of picturesque Bani. On the first day, series of performances were showcased which reflects the cultural ethos of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. They include Geetru, Kud, Nati, Jattar, Padri Dance, Haran, Pahari Kud, Kashmiri Rouf, Dogri Dance etc. On the concluding day of the Cultural and Craft Festival various folk dance and music forms were showcased these include Geetru, Dogri Dance, Kashmiri Dance, Padri Dance, Kud, Haran, Jattar, Nati Dance and the singing by Suman Lata, Poonam Choudhary, Revi Devi and Johny.
The festival showcased various local folk music and dance forms which spread cross-cultural awareness amongst the visitors, and the locals, followed by the display of traditional craft and cuisine forms. Since food has been an integral part of any festival celebration in the region, the local cuisine was also promoted via multiple food stalls — operated by the local people. These food stalls served the authentic taste of the local dishes on a payment basis which help the localities to generate revenue.
The people of Bani congratulated the efforts put by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages; and thanked the Lieutenant Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary A K Mehta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Raghav Langer, Secretary Culture Sarmad Hafeez and Secretary of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages Rahul Pandey; for taking an initiative to promote their craft and culture. They further requested Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha to make this kind of event an annual happening so that craft and culture of Bani can be preserved.
A total of 150 festivals, comprising 75 Sufi festivals and 75 Traditional & Cultural festivals are happening in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Bani Valley is witnessing the first in the series: a two-day Cultural and Craft Mela. The attempt is to revive our age-old traditions through art and craft forms. Therefore, along with performing arts, the showcasing of associated cultural components becomes an integral part of all traditional and cultural festivals.
The festival was done with overall supervision of Sanjeev Rana Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages along with Daksh Dev Lieutenant Governor’s Fellow. Sanjeev Gupta SOCA Kathua and Pankaj Sharma Technical Head have left no stone unturned to make the Cultural and Craft Festival a grand success with their flawless coordination.
