SRINAGAR: The jam packed auditoriums of Srinagar’s Amar Singh College and Nawa Kadal Women’s College witnessed captivating moments, on Saturday, as folk artists took the stage during pre-event programmes of renowned ‘Vitasta Cultural Festival’. Similar programmes were organised at various locations in central Kashmir’s Budgam district as well.
The range of these artistic performances included mesmerising art forms such as Bhand Pather, Gojri, Dhambali, Bach Nagma, Rauf and other captivating expressions of cultural heritage including performances of traditional songs, graceful dances and others presentations.
The artistic performances highlighted diverse range of fascinating art forms of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy.
Pertinently, a range of pre-event programmes featuring cultural performances and exhibitions of Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage are currently being held in various locations across the Valley. These events aim to encourage active public participation and foster a bond with the upcoming three-day ‘Vitasta’ cultural festival’, which is scheduled to be held at the esteemed Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) from June 23 to 25.
The prestigious festival, along with its pre-events, is being organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, through the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala. One of the primary purposes of this festival is to carry forward Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s, vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India) under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.
Additionally, the festival aims to serve as a platform for artists representing diverse art forms of Kashmiri folk culture and provide them with a valuable opportunity to display their skills while also contributing towards preservation and promotion of illustrious artistic heritage that characterises Kashmiri folk culture.
Meanwhile, the organisers have announced a range of pre-events scheduled to take place at various picturesque spots in Srinagar and elsewhere tomorrow (on Sunday). The venues included Srinagar’s Kong Posh Park, Zero Bridge, Zabarwan Park, and Badamwari Garden, as well as the scenic Alusteng village in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

KR Desk