Panzath, May 18: The annual fishing-cum-cleaning festival of the Panzath Nag stream was celebrated on Sunday in Panzath village of Qazigund, drawing participation from dozens of residents.
The unique tradition, observed for decades, is typically organized on a particular day each year by the local Auqaf Committee, which designates a day for the event. On the festival day, locals joined by residents from adjoining areas wake up early and enter the stream from its upper reaches, carrying traditional wicker baskets. As they move downstream, they catch fish while simultaneously removing weeds, pollutants, and other obstructions that impede the flow of water.
Residents said the activity is more than just about fishing but, it also serves as an effective community-driven initiative to clean the springs and stream, thereby maintaining a smooth water flow throughout the year.
The name “Panzath” is believed to be derived from the words paanch (five) and haath (hundred), referring to the 500 springs that once existed in the village, though only a few remain visible today. Locals said that the village finds mention in several historical texts.
Mohammad Akbar Rather, 60, a long-time resident, said he has been part of the festival for 45 years. “This tradition predates me. The water from Panzath Nag serves as both irrigation and drinking water for dozens of villages downstream,” he said.
Rather appealed to the government to explore tourism potential in Panzath. “The mythical 500 springs and natural beauty offer a great opportunity for tourism, which could also generate livelihood for local residents,” he added.
He said that the activity helps remove depth barriers and pollutants from the stream, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of clean water.
Imran Ahmad, a resident of Qazigund, said he travelled three kilometres to participate in the festival.
“I came knowing that it’s a fishing festival and that it also helps clean weeds from the stream,” he said. “It’s a one-day celebration, and people from over a dozen surrounding villages gather here.”
Ahmad added that the festival coincides with Rohan Posh, a local tradition of showering flower petals on graves. “No one returns empty-handed; everyone catches something. It’s a chance to clean the stream and celebrate community spirit,” he said.
With the rise of social media and short video content, the festival has gained increased visibility in recent years, drawing larger crowds of participants and onlookers. Collective fishing, not usually permitted on regular days, has become a rare and celebrated experience.
Such is the festival’s significance that it was even mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme in 2023, bringing national attention to the villagers’ eco-friendly initiative.
