Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice Abdul Haq today said the government is working to create its own cultural identity by reviving the local art and music which is full of spirituality.

Speaking at a musical event organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the Minister said like a body needs food to remain healthy, similarly soul needs food to remain rejuvenated and conscious. He said devotional and spiritual music refreshes ones soul and connects it to God.

Stating that the spirituality and Sufism is deep rooted in the Kashmir culture and forms the bedrock of Kashmiriyat, Abdul Haq said devotional music has always played an inherent part in “religio-cultural” scenario of Kashmir valley.

Abdul Haq appreciated the efforts of JKAACL in organizing the month long events under the series “Ramzan Special” and bringing acclaimed artists Nizami Bandhus to the state. He said that events like these provide people with opportunities to appreciate the devotional music and provide food to the soul. The evening was marked by spiritual and cultural songs rich with traditional tones. The songs with their expression communicated a message of love, peace and harmony.

Earlier Nizami Bandhus offered a spell bound performance that took the audience on a spiritual journey creating a musical imagery in accordance with the religious faith by singing Na’at and Qawali. The performers sung soulful Sufi poetry before an appreciative audience and mesmerized audience to an array of scintillating Qawalis, one after another leaving the audience spell bound.

The performers warmed up the Sufi musical programme with the soulful renditions like Allah Hoo Allah Hoo, Kun Faaya Kun, Dama Dum Mast Qalander, Bharde Jholi Meri Ya Mohammad and charged the atmosphere inside the auditorium. The audience appreciated the performers by giving standing ovations after every performance.

Lead performer Chand Nizami of Nizami Bhandu, expressing thanks to the academy for providing them with opportunity to perform in Kashmir, said that people of the state have a long association with music especially sufi music. He said that it is an honour to perform for the people who not only enjoy the music understand and connect with its sprit.

The others who were present on the occasion include Vice President JKAACL Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Secretary JKAACL Dr Aziz Hajni, Roma Wani, Senior Vice President, J&K State, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Former Secretary JKAACL Dr Rafiq Masoodi, Poets Zamaan Azurda, Aijaz Ahmad Kakroo, former legislator Sharif Din Shariq besides officials of JKAACL and Department of Education.

Guest