Rajouri: Intending to promote the rich culture of sufism in the district, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages in collaboration with District Administration Rajouri and Tourism Department celebrated Sufi Festival with verve here in Rajouri Saturday.
To mark the festival, a Mehfil-e-Naat and Manqabat was organised at ZiaratShadra Sharif. District Development Commissioner, VikasKundal was Chief Guest at the occasion while the event was presided over by ShKhursheedBismil.
During the programme, the prominent poets including KhurshidBismil; Dr LiyaqatNayyar; Dr RafeeqAnjum; Dr Amir Jafari; AzmatHussain Shah; Akbar Ali; Abdul Qayoom Naik; Dr Bashir Magray; Afzal Zia; SaleemTabish; Shehzad Ali Mir; Imran Sahil; Parvez Malik; Dr Abdul HaqNaimi; SameenaSeharMirza; Zareena Mir and Ahatsham Bhatt presented Naat, Manqabat and Sufi poetry depicting rich culture of sufism.
Among others, ADDC, Pawan Kumar; SDM Thanamandi, VikasDhar; TehsildarThanamandi, Sayed Sahil Shah Tehsildar besides President MC Thanamandi, Shakeel Mir and people from all sections of the society witnessed the Mega Event at holy shrine and Govt Degree College ThannaMandi. Audiences from all walks of life and of different age groups also thronged the venue to witness the event.
The locals complimented the artists towards their dedication and contribution to the field of literature, culture and also appreciated them amid thundering applause.
Addressing the event, the DDC highlighted the objective of the sufi festival and said that it is aimed at celebrating rich culture and teachings of Sufism. He said that the government is committed to promoting iconic role of rishis and sufi saints in disseminating peaceful and syncretic traditions. He also lauded Rajouri is epitome of cultural harmony.
While enumerating various measures being taken for the overall development of the district, the DDC appealed to extend helping hand with the district administration for peace, prosperity and holistic development of the region.
The program was culminated at Government Degree College Thanamandi. Both sessions were conducted by Dr Alamdar Adam Cultural officer JKAACL Rajouri/Poonch.
