Kulgam recently hosted a unique literary festival called “Veshaw Literary Festival.” The two day event, which began on August 7 was conducted in the lawns of the district headquarters Kulgam. The festival was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The festival’s name, “Veshaw,” is inspired by a river that flows through Kulgam called the Veshaw River. This river is essential for the district as it provides water for farming. Its origin is believed to be the famous Kousarnag alpine lake.
The literary festival attracted a large number of participants from different backgrounds. People who love literature, art, and culture attended the festival. The event was a joint effort by the District Administration of Kulgam and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.
According to IGNCA, the festival included five academic seminars. These seminars showcased the work of scholars, philosophers, and writers from different time periods. Additionally, a village representing Nag culture was set up, displaying traditional items and practices. Many schools and colleges from Kulgam actively participated in the cultural events.
The festival focused on literature and music, with celebrated musicians and poets from the region taking the stage. The festival’s spotlight was on natural heritage sites, featuring images of various picturesque locations.
LG Manoj Sinha praised the literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and encouraged writers to depict the real essence of the region. He emphasized that literature has the power to enrich our minds and inspire us.
He said, “Literature opens doors to new ideas and thoughts that enrich our inner selves. It not only helps us explore the world around us but also the world within us. We should embrace the different flavors of language that literature offers, as they have the potential to enlighten our society.”
LG Sinha hoped that the literary festival would infuse new energy into Kulgam and contribute to positive changes in the future. He emphasized the importance of presenting an accurate picture of Jammu and Kashmir’s culture, history, and heritage to the world.
Artistic Marvels:
During the event, young artist Mudasir Rehman Dar presented a handmade drawing of LG Sinha. Dar, known for his miniature paintings, gained attention for his intricate work of painting a holy Kaaba on a finger ring.
Another artist, Tabish Aijaz Khan, showcased a stall named “Waste to Wonder.” Tabish transformed everyday items like broken cups into beautiful pieces of art.
A Glimpse Into Yesteryears: The Enchanting Model Village
One of the festival’s highlights was the portrayal of an old traditional Kashmiri model village. The Veshaw Literary Festival celebrated heritage, literature, art, and music. It brought to life the forgotten treasures of the region. The festival painted a vivid picture of rural life in the early nineties, capturing the essence of the past. Visitors could experience the charm of mud houses, wooden doors, and kitchens from a bygone era.
The festival’s “model village” featured traditional tools and activities, providing a glimpse into daily life from centuries ago. The idea was inspired from a local school’s performance, and it garnered attention on social media. Many visitors captured the experience through videos and photos.
Explore Kulgam: Photo Album Showcase
In the “Model Village”, a special part was set up to share pictures of the most wonderful spots in Kulgam. They called it “explore Kulgam.” The album had stunning pictures of places you can visit in Kulgam.
You could see breathtaking meadows, like Chiranbal and Kongwattan, along with Pachanpathri and Gurwattan. They even had pictures from different times of the year at the famous Aharbal waterfall and the beautiful Kousarnag lake.
These albums were displayed to tell people about Kulgam and its amazing places. It was an invitation for explorers to come and enjoy these spots.
Kulgam’s Veshaw Literary Festival proved to be a remarkable event that celebrated the region’s heritage and culture. It showcased the power of literature, art, and music to connect people and bring history to life. As the festival concluded, it left behind a sense of pride and renewed appreciation for the rich heritage of Kulgam.
