JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) under the guidance of Secretary at JKAACL, Rahul Pandey, organised ‘Herath Milan’—a cultural programme on the eve of the Mahashivratri festival here at Jagti Township.
The festival was aimed at reviving the synergic cultural spirit of the area by educating/informing the younger generation about the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Under the anchoring of Kususm Tickku, the event began with the spiritual renditions dedicated to Lord Shiva, by a renowned Kashmiri singer Rajesh Khar, which spellbind the audience for a while.
The graph of the event was further escalated by singers Pallavi Koul and Nirmala Koul, the mother-daughter duo. Their sweet voice riveted the audience to spiritual roots. After that, a nukkad-natak was presented by the artists of Rang Manch led by Dilshad Ahmed on the theme of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The Act/presentation included references from the everyday life of the general public and was an attempt to create awareness on the health and cleanliness issues amongst the people. Filled with humour, the act did open the eyes of the audience towards their everyday negligence. This was followed by the Shiv Bhajans presented by Shantilal Sidda & Group, which filled the atmosphere with the spiritual essence of Lord Shiva.
The main attraction of the programme was the play named “Mahima Har Ratri Ki” presented by R.M.K. Art Foundation. The play was based on the historical significance of the Herath Festival celebrated by the Kashmiri Pandit community. The music of the play was given by Kuldeep Saproo, while it was directed by Vijay Dhar. Artists who displayed their talent included a few senior and versatile stage and television actors like Rajkumar Bhat, Manoj Bhat, Shiv Dev Singh, Sumit Sharma, and Suman Pandita.
The chief guest on the occasion was Ashok Kumar Pandita, Relief Commissioner Jammu. He appreciated the efforts of the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for organising such a beautiful programme.
