Srinagar January 22 (KNS): City of Pune witnessed a unique confluence of Kashmiri and Maharashtrian art and culture during the 13th edition of the Kashmir festival, titled Azmat-e-Kashmir festival. Organized by Sarhad, Pune in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited, the festival showcased a mesmerizing blend of traditional music, dance, and cultural expressions from Kashmir and Maharashtra, captivating thousands of attendees for over three hours.
The festival’s main attraction was Shamima Akhtar, renowned for her Kashmiri and Marathi devotional music. The event also featured performances by artists from Alamdar Bhagat Theatre, Anantnag, including Mazhar Siddiqui, Shamima Akhtar, and Rohit Thakur. The performances ranged from Kashmiri folk songs and dances to traditional Maharashtrian music, providing an unforgettable experience for the audience.
The evening opened with a soulful rendition of ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ by Kashmiri artists using traditional instruments like the shehnai and dholak. Students from the Sarhad School in Pune added vibrancy to the event with their performances on traditional Maharashtrian songs. Artists also showcased Kashmiri folk theatre, songs, and instruments like the santoor, rabab, and tumri. The jugalbandi (juxtaposition) of Kashmiri and Maharashtrian dance and music became the highlight of the evening, leaving the audience spellbound.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Felicitation Ceremony:
The event commenced with the inauguration by Dr. Sanjeevkumar Sharma, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited, and Sanjay Nahar, Founder-President of Sarhad, Pune.
A special felicitation ceremony was held to honor individuals making remarkable contributions in various fields in Kashmir: Mohammad Shafi Qureshi from Spring Bud Education Trust -Adil Malik from Sopore Apple Farmer's Producer Company, a social enterprise to ensure all round well being of Kashmir's Apple Farmers
- Sirajuddin Khan coordinator of the Aragam Book and Poetry Village project aiming to make Aragam the world's largest book village.
The festival concluded with a spectacular performance by a Kashmiri Bhand troupe, featuring traditional songs and a dazzling display of Kashmiri dance in vibrant costumes, particularly the iconic shimmering ghagra.
The Azmat-e-Kashmir festival successfully bridged cultural divides and celebrated the shared heritage of Kashmir and Maharashtra, leaving the audience with memories of a truly enriching experience.(KNS)