![Artists presenting items during grand musical fest at Batpura Sports Stadium in district Shopian. -Excelsior/ Younis Artists presenting items during grand musical fest at Batpura Sports Stadium in district Shopian. -Excelsior/ Younis](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/page5-21.jpg)
Peaceful polls pointers of public desire for peace: GOC
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 21: To welcome ‘Chillai Kalan’, a period of harsh winters, a grand musical fest was organized at Batpura Sports Stadium in district Shopian.
The event witnessed a huge crowd of more than 3000 locals from Shopian, Pulwama and Budgam districts.
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Major General Rashim Bali, General Officer Commanding, Victor Force graced the occasion with his presence, alongside important civil and police functionaries of the three districts.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow clad peaks of Pir Panjal, Srinagar based Chinar Band electrified the atmosphere with its melodious and energetic performances. Treating the crowd with a mix of music, comedy and stand up performances, the band won the hearts of the one and all. The crowd also enjoyed multiple Kashmiri cuisines and shopped at handicraft stalls which were set ops alongside. A grand raffle draw was also organized for the locals. Gratitude Corner was also established at the site from where the needy could pick up winter clothing and other requisites.
The fest aimed at promoting Kashmiri culture, handicraft and cuisine. It is no surprise that Kashmiri youth have abundance of talent and Chillai Kalan musical fest was a platform which afforded an opportunity to showcase it.
Addressing the media, Major General Rashim Bali appealed to youth to continue striving for an educated Kashmiri Society and contribute in bringing development and peace to this Jannat of Allah. He pointed that peaceful Panchayat and DDC elections are pointers of public desire for peace and development. Certain areas did witness low percentage of polling but this was largely due to threats issued by terrorist tanzeems and their handlers from across.
The officer pointed out that winds of change can be felt in South Kashmir. It was heartening to see a cultural fest organized in the heart of Shopian. He appealed to misguided youth to shun the path of violence and surrender. He also remarked that youth of Kashmir are the future and they need to be nurtured and groomed into bright and responsible citizens of the society.