Kathua : The much-anticipated annual Basohli Utsav commenced on Thursday with a grand celebration, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
The opening day was marked by a colorful cultural performance that captivated the audience and set a jubilant tone for the festival.
The event was inaugurated by Principal Secretary Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, in presence of DDC Chairman Kathua, Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, and Director ACB, Shakti Pathak.
Suresh Kumar, emphasized that the Basohli Utsav represents a dedicated effort towards restoring and preserving the historical glory of Basohli, particularly its rich traditions in art and heritage, which once served as the cultural epicenter of the region.
The Principal Secretary urged the local community, especially the youth, to take an active role in preserving and promoting this cultural legacy. He encouraged them to leverage social media platforms to share the unique traditions of Basohli Ramlila, its world-renowned paintings, and exquisite pashmina.
Speaking on ongoing cultural preservation efforts, the Principal Secretary highlighted that the restoration work of the historic Basohli Mint will be completed in the coming months. He also mentioned the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for Basohli Paintings and Pashmina, which will ensure their authenticity and open new employment opportunities for local artisans and craftsmen.
“Basohli is evolving as a hub for Cultural and Pilgrimage Tourism, home to famous temples such as Chanchlo Mata, Jhode Wali Mata, and Dhola Mata,” he added.
Suresh Gupta also introduced two new features of this year’s festival—Archival and Heritage Exhibitions, which aim to reconnect people with the glorious past of Basohli and the larger Jammu & Kashmir region. He expressed his commitment towards positioning Basohli Utsav on both national and international tourism maps in the near future.
DDC Chairman Kathua, praised the Basohli Utsav as an excellent platform for uniting various stakeholders to elevate Basohli’s art, culture, and heritage to the global stage. He mentioned that with the establishment of a Water Sports Academy and the upcoming Rs. 3.5 crore Common Facility Centre (CFC) project, the region’s adventure tourism and cultural profile will receive a significant boost. He commended the efforts of the Culture Department, the Academy of Art and Culture, and the Handicraft and Handloom and Tourism departments for supporting this annual event.
Director ACB also expressed his appreciation for the Basohli Utsav, noting its importance in preserving the rich cultural and heritage legacy of the region. He highlighted that Basohli’s 113-year-old Ramlila, one of the oldest in the country, is a testament to the community’s deep-rooted love for its traditions and heritage.
The first day of the festival also featured a vibrant cultural presentation that showcased the diverse facets of local folklore and music. A special Basohli Paintings workshop by Vishwasthali NGO was a key attraction, while local cuisine and handicraft stalls drew enthusiastic crowds.
The three day Basohli Utsav promises two more days of cultural celebration, exhibitions, and workshops, as it continues to shine a spotlight on the unique and timeless traditions of the region.
Among others, Secretary in Culture Department, Deepika Sharma, Secretary Cultural Academy, Harvinder Kour, DC Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas, Director Archives & Archaeology K.K Sidha, Joint Director Handicrafts and Handloom, CEO BBDA Ajeet Singh, Director IGNCA Shruti Avasthi were also present.
