Baramulla, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

The largest Kashmiri Folk Dance ever performed by 10000 young women at Kashur Riwaaj Cultural Fest on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

The largest Kashmiri Folk Dance ever performed by 10000 young women

In a historic and empowering event, 10,000 young women from Baramulla shattered records by performing the Largest Kashmiri Folk Dance at the “Kashur Riwaaj” cultural festival. Organized by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the Baramulla District Administration and the Indrani Balan Foundation, this remarkable event served as a precursor to the 78th Independence Day celebrations. Held at the Prof. Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium, the festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir through traditional dances, music, calligraphy, and other cultural activities. The highlight of the event was the collective performance of the Rouf dance by these young women, setting a new world record and underscoring the strength and unity of Kashmiri women.

The event was supported by various officials, including Shri Minga Sherpa, DC, who played a key role in ensuring its smooth execution. Senior representatives from the J&K Cultural Department, Police, and NGOs also attended, lending their encouragement to the young participants.

One of the participants shared, “We’ve been rehearsing for nearly a month, and now it feels like all the effort was worth it. This is a great achievement, and we are proud to be part of this world record.”

The event was supported by various officials, including Shri Minga Sherpa, DC, who played a key role in ensuring its smooth execution. Senior representatives from the J&K Cultural Department, Police, and NGOs also attended, lending their encouragement to the young participant

The festival’s chief guest, Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, was joined by Maj. Gen. Rajesh Sethi, GOC of the Dagger Division, and Baramulla Brigade Commander, Brigadier Rajat Bhatt. The Indrani Balan Foundation, led by Shri Punit and Smt. Janhavi Balan, was instrumental in supporting this initiative, continuing their commitment to development and cultural preservation in Baramulla. An IBF official highlighted the significance of the event, calling it “a shining example of constructive engagement and cooperation between civil, military, industry, and youth.”

The world record, officially recognized by the Universal Records Forum (URF), an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, was a testament to the precision and quality with which the event was conducted.

The “Kashur Riwaaj” Cultural Fest was more than just a celebration of tradition; it was a powerful showcase of female empowerment and resilience in Kashmir. The audience was captivated by performances that included a Rubab recital by 13-year-old prodigy Ishfaq Hamid Bhatt, the youngest recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar 2024, and a Santoor performance by award-winning artist Naseer Ahmed Mir. The event also featured intricate calligraphy by the 70-year-old expert, Mr. Shafi Mir, who presented a handcrafted piece to the chief guest.

The festival’s atmosphere was further energized by the “Strings of Baramulla” band from the Chinar YUVA Centre, and the lively presentations by popular RJs from Radio Baramulla. As RJ Harleen aptly put it, “This was a program of the Youth, by the Youth, for the Youth of Baramulla.”

Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry, deeply influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and Indo-Aryan traditions, was on full display at the event. The festival not only celebrated the valley’s traditional arts and crafts but also served as a platform for the youth, particularly young women, to reconnect with and take pride in their heritage.

The Indrani Balan Foundation has been at the forefront of various developmental initiatives in Kashmir, including the Dagger Parivaar School in Baramulla for specially-abled children and the Heritage Centre at Boniyar. Their commitment to preserving and promoting local culture and history is evident in their ongoing efforts across the region.

The Indian Army’s close connection with the people of Kashmir was also evident in their support for this event. Their collaboration with the community in preserving cultural practices while ensuring the security and peace of the region underscores their dedication to Kashmir’s cultural legacy.

The success of “Kashur Riwaaj” has set a new standard for cultural engagement in the region, uniting the youth—especially the young women of Kashmir—in a powerful display of tradition, pride, and patriotism.

source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> Women / by India.com Lifestyle Staff / August 12th, 2024