KATHUA, OCTOBER 10 (BANN): The highly anticipated annual Basohli Utsav began today with a vibrant celebration, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the region.The opening ceremony featured colorful cultural performances that captivated the audience, setting a joyous mood for the three-day event.
Principal Secretary of Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, inaugurated the festival, accompanied by DDC Chairman Kathua, Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, and Director ACB, Shakti Pathak. In his address, Suresh Kumar underscored the importance of Basohli Utsav in reviving the region’s historic glory, focusing particularly on its renowned traditions in art and heritage, which once made Basohli a cultural hub.He urged the local community, particularly the youth, to play an active role in preserving and promoting this cultural legacy. He encouraged them to use social media to share the unique aspects of Basohli, including its famous Ramlila, globally recognized paintings, and exquisite pashmina.
Suresh Kumar also provided updates on ongoing preservation projects, noting that the restoration of the historic Basohli Mint would be completed in the coming months. He emphasized the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for Basohli Paintings and Pashmina to protect their authenticity and create new job opportunities for local artisans.“Basohli is becoming a key destination for cultural and pilgrimage tourism, home to notable temples like Chanchlo Mata, Jhode Wali Mata, and Dhola Mata,” he added.
This year’s festival introduces two new features—Archival and Heritage Exhibitions—which aim to reconnect visitors with Basohli’s glorious past. The Principal Secretary expressed his commitment to positioning the Basohli Utsav on national and international tourism maps soon.DDC Chairman Kathua praised the festival as a great platform for bringing together various stakeholders to promote Basohli’s art, culture, and heritage on a global scale.
He mentioned that with the establishment of a Water Sports Academy and the upcoming Rs. 3.5 crore Common Facility Centre (CFC), the region’s adventure tourism and cultural profile would see a major boost. He also appreciated the efforts of the Culture Department, Academy of Art and Culture, Handicraft and Handloom Department, and the Tourism Department for supporting the event.Director ACB also commended the Basohli Utsav for its role in preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. He highlighted that Basohli’s 113-year-old Ramlila, one of the oldest in the country, is a reflection of the community’s deep-rooted commitment to its traditions.
The first day of the festival featured a dynamic cultural showcase of local folklore and music. A workshop on Basohli Paintings, organized by Vishwasthali NGO, was a key highlight, while local cuisine and handicraft stalls attracted large crowds.The Basohli Utsav will continue for two more days, offering exhibitions, workshops, and further cultural celebrations, bringing attention to the region’s unique and timeless traditions.Key officials present at the event included Secretary of the Culture Department Deepika Sharma, Secretary of Cultural Academy Harvinder Kour, DC Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Director of Archives & Archaeology K.K. Sidha, Joint Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, CEO BBDA Ajeet Singh, and Director of IGNCA Shruti Avasthi.
