KATHUA, OCT 19: The three-day Basohli Utsav 2026 commenced on Monday with a vibrant blend of cultural traditions, artistic expression, indigenous sports and religious ceremonies, bringing together public representatives, senior officials, artists, students and locals to celebrate the rich heritage and cultural identity of Basohli. The festival, being held from October 19 to 21, aims to showcase the region’s historical legacy while encouraging youth participation and promoting its distinctive artistic traditions.
The opening day’s celebrations featured a bike rally, a ceremonial lamp-lighting, a seminar on Geet Govind, a documentary screening, a cartoon workshop, traditional Santholia matches and an Aarti on the River Ravi, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on preserving cultural heritage and engaging communities through diverse activities.
A bike rally flagged off from Jammu by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal received a warm welcome at Kalibari. MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Chief Education Officer Kathua Kewal Krishan and representatives of private school associations welcomed the participants before the rally proceeded towards Basohli, marking the beginning of the festival’s public celebrations.
The inaugural programme at the park behind Basohli Fort commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, followed by a seminar on Geet Govind, highlighting its literary, cultural and artistic significance. A documentary on Basohli Utsav was also screened at the historic fort, presenting the region’s traditions and cultural heritage to visitors.
The celebrations were attended by MLA Basohli Darshan Singh, MLA Bani Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Harvinder Kour, Director IGNCA Shruti Awasthi, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau Shakti Pathak, Additional Deputy Commissioner Basohli Pankaj Bhagotra and Additional Secretary, Culture Department, Lal Chand, among other dignitaries.
In an initiative to nurture creativity among young people, an engaging cartoon workshop was organised at the iconic Basohli Fort, featuring seven renowned cartoonists from different parts of the country. Students from various schools participated, interacted with the artists and gained exposure to cartooning techniques and creative expression. The workshop provided a platform for young participants to explore their artistic abilities while learning from experienced professionals.
Traditional sports added another dimension to the opening day’s festivities, with boys’ and girls’ Santholia matches organised at the Ram Leela Grounds in Basohli. Around 360 students from 30 schools participated in the competitions, promoting teamwork, physical fitness and awareness of indigenous sporting traditions among the younger generation.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Shridhar Patil and SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma also joined the Shobha Yatra, which formed part of the festival’s ceremonial proceedings. The day’s celebrations culminated in an Aarti on the River Ravi near the iconic Atal Setu, adding a spiritual dimension to the cultural gathering.
The opening-day programme highlighted Basohli Utsav’s role in bringing together cultural preservation, artistic innovation, traditional sports and community participation. By involving students, artists and local communities, the festival seeks to strengthen awareness of the region’s heritage and provide greater visibility to its cultural traditions.
Basohli Utsav 2026 will continue until October 21, with further activities planned to celebrate the area’s historical legacy, cultural identity and artistic contributions.
