Div Com-(J) discusses activity plan, arrangements for maiden Basohli Navratra Festival

Kathua: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar on Friday visited Basohli and chaired a meeting of the stakeholder departments and civil society members to discuss activity plan and arrangements for Mega Navratri Festival being hosted in Basohli from Oct 15 to Oct 23.
The meeting, held at TRC Basohli, brought together key representatives from the administration, local communities, cultural organizations and tourism department and PRIs.
The purpose of this productive gathering was to collaborate and devise community-centric strategies to curate an enchanting Navratra Festival experience, which would attract visitors from far and wide.
Acknowledging the immense potential of the Navratra festival to bolster the local economy and preserve cultural traditions, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for a comprehensive event plan.
Key government functionaries present in the meeting were DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, Shakti Pathak, DC Kathua, Rakesh Minhas; SSP Kathua, Shivdeep Singh Jamwal; CEO, BBDA, Des Raj Bhagat; Director ULB Jammu, Puneet Sharma; ADC, Basohli Ajit Singh; Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Mehta; Joint Director Youth Services and Sports, Suram Chand Sharma; Joint Director H&H, Tilak Raj Thapa and other District & Sectoral officers.
At the Outset, the Div Com threw light on the glorious past and rich history of Basohli town known for its cultural significance. Basohli, affectionately known as “Vishwasthali,” has a history that dates back centuries, boasting a tapestry of traditions and legacies that have shaped its identity.
The objective of the meeting was to plan and execute a series of events that will showcase and promote the rich heritage, cultural diversity, exquisite cuisine, Basohli paintings, Basoholi Pashmina handicrafts and the traditional Ram Leela performances.
The festival aims to celebrate the amalgamation of music, art, dance, spirituality and culinary delights, capturing the essence of Dogra vibrant culture. Activities and events proposed during the meeting include iconic Basohli paintings to showcase the intricate artistry and legacy of this traditional art form, Pashmina Workshop dedicated to the craft of Basohli Pashmina weaving will be arranged to showcase the intricacies involved in this centuries-old handicraft. This initiative aims to inform attendees about the craftsmanship and promote the cultural significance of Pashmina.
Besides, a Food Festival featuring local cuisines exhibiting culinary skills and gastronomic extravaganza offering a delectable array of local delicacies has been planned for the event to give visitors an opportunity to savor popular traditional dishes.
Another key attraction of the Navratra festival will be the 112th edition of the world acclaimed Ram Leela presentation of Basohli. The Traditional Ram Leela performances will be staged, keeping alive the age-old tradition of portraying the epic tale of Lord Rama and his triumph over evil forces.
The Divisional Commissioner expressed gratitude towards the stakeholders for their active participation and their commitment to making the Navratra festival a vibrant and memorable experience for all attendees. Their collective efforts will ensure that the cultural heritage of Jammu is appropriately showcased and visitors leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the region. As this remarkable festival draws nearer, more details and a comprehensive schedule will be shared with the public in order to ensure maximum participation and a truly immersive experience.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner alongwith other officers visited various locations finalised for organising events during navratras including Atal setu, purthu tourist spot, Basholi Fort, Basohli Art Gallery and Ram Leela Ground.