JK Governor inaugurates 4-day Folk Festival

Jammu, February 13 (Scoop News) – N. N. Vohra, Governor, inaugurated a 4-day Folk Festival organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Abhinav Theatre here this evening.

Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture and Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Tourism and Home, were present on the occasion.

The Governor, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function, speaking on the occasion, observed that Jammu and Kashmir is a rarely blessed State in terms of languages, history, traditions and glorious composite cultural heritage. In this context, he emphasized that the Cultural Academy has to effectively play a truly important role in the promotion of this rich cultural heritage across the country. He added that while difficulties were faced in the past years the state can now look forward to a very bright future.

The Governor emphasized the crucial importance of timely conservation, documentation and showcasing of the traditional performing art forms and the rich cultural heritage which is rooted in various parts of the State.

The Governor said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has undertaken a project for the Preservation of Culture and Performing Arts Heritage of Villages surrounding Trikuta Hills. Under this project, Balwant Thakur, Director, Natrang, has taken the responsibility of organizing the collection and documentation of the traditional art forms of the villages surrounding the Trikuta Hills. He said that an effort is being made to associate historians, archaeologists, architects and scholars to undertake research for co-relating the various traditional art forms which are still prevalent in the Trikuta Hills so that these are well documented and appropriately showcased.

Referring to the captivating cultural programmes presented by the folk artists at the inaugural function, the Governor said that these were very well presented. He hoped that a large number of students and people at large would be able to witness the Folk Festival during the next three days.

Earlier, on arrival at the Abhinav Theatre, the Governor and the First Lady were received by Jora, Wani, senior officers of the Cultural Academy and a large number of folk artists attired in their colour costumes.

Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, speaking on the occasion, thanked the Governor for inaugurating the 4-day Folk Festival. He said that such programmes are being organized by the Academy with a view to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the three regions of the State.

Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Tourism and Home, said that many initiatives have been taken by the Academy for the promotion of cultural activities in the State.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs. Shamim Akhtar, Additional Secretary of the Academy, gave details of the Folk Festival.

A captivating folk music and dance bonanza was presented on the occasion. The folk dances presented on this occasion included Kud, Rouf, Geetru, Gagel, Dhambali, Gojri folk, Bacha Nagma, Haran, a Ladakhi dance namely Jabroo and Chajja dance.

Mrs. Savita Bakhshi, Additional Secretary, Cultural Academy, presented a Vote of Thanks.

Senior officers of the Academy, intellectuals, writers and folk artists were present on the occasion.