North Kashmir Cultural Festival ‘Shaam-E-Shafqat’ Celebrates India’s Rich Heritage At Pattan

Waqar Manzoor
Srinagar: A vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, North Kashmir Cultural Festival-2026 (Shaam-E-Shafqat), was held at Zorawar Hall, Pattan, on Thursday. The event was jointly organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India & the Indian Army.
The festival brought together renowned artists from Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Manipur and Odisha, who enthralled the audience with mesmerizing performances showcasing the diversity and richness of India’s folk traditions. The day-long cultural extravaganza featured colourful folk dances, traditional music and artistic expressions reflecting the unique heritage of different regions of the country.
Soulful renditions of traditional songs and energetic performances created an atmosphere of celebration and patriotism, highlighting the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” and India’s vibrant cultural identity. The programme aimed not only to entertain but also to preserve, promote and popularize the nation’s cultural legacy while strengthening the bond between the youth of North Kashmir and the diverse cultures of the country.
Students and members of civil society from various parts of North Kashmir attended the festival in large numbers. Their enthusiastic participation and continuous applause reflected appreciation for the initiative and reaffirmed the event’s significance in promoting cultural integration, national unity and pride in India’s rich heritage.
The organisers described Shaam-e-Shafqat as a meaningful platform that fosters harmony, strengthens cultural ties and serves as a reminder of the shared values and traditions that bind the nation together.