Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 13: Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages organized a Cultural and Craft Mela at Mela Ground in Bani on the eve of Baisakhi festival. The main objective of organising the Mela was to reflect the rich culture of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In this connection a scheme titled “Scheme for promotion of traditional and cultural festivals of Jammu & Kashmir” has been introduced.
A two-day mela which was inaugurated today at Bani by Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Joginder Singh Jasrotia, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bani was a grand success on the first day which received huge applaud from the people of picturesque Bani.
On the first day of two day mela, Ram Ditta and Party, Sargam Cultural Society, Muktiyar and Party, Johny and Party, Mohan Lal and Party, Sanjeet Mehra and Party, Suman Lata and Party, Padri Lok Kala Manch, Raj Kumar and Party, Sudesh Kumar and Party, Pankaj Handoo and Party, Darmej Sandhu, Varinder Kumar , Ajeet Kumar and Kailash Kumar presented different folk music and dance forms in front of a large gathering of audiences viz. Geetru, Kud, Nati, Jattar, Padri Dance, Haran, Pahari Kud, Kashmiri Rouf, Dogri dance etc.
During the festival, various local folk music and dance forms were displayed to spread cross-cultural awareness amongst the visitors, and the locals, followed by the display of traditional craft and cuisine forms. Since food has been an integral part of any festival celebration in the region, the local cuisine is also being promoted via multiple food stalls – operated by the local people. These food stalls would serve the authentic taste of the local dishes on a payment basis. This would also help revenue generation for the locals.
The people of Bani appealed Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha to make this kind of event as an annual happening so that craft and culture of Bani can be preserved.
A total of 150 festivals, comprising 75 Sufi festivals and 75 traditional and cultural festivals are happening in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Bani Valley is witnessing the first in the series: a two-day Cultural and Craft Mela.
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