Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the Veshow Festival in Kulgam.
Addressing a gathering, the LG said the festival has emerged as a symbol of the intellectual, literary and cultural consciousness of Jammu Kashmir.
As per an official press release, in his address to scholars, writers, poets, artists and literary enthusiasts, the LG said that since its launch in 2023, the festival has evolved into a vibrant and widely recognised forum for dialogue, creativity and cultural exchange.
“The growing participation of writers and readers demonstrates that ideas and creative expression transcend geographical boundaries,” he said.
Speaking on Kulgam’s rich civilisational heritage, the LG said that the district represents a unique cultural tradition where spirituality, creativity, nature and humanity have long coexisted in harmony.
Highlighting the influence of the Rishi-Sufi tradition, the LG recalled the contributions of Yogini Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Sayyid Hussain Simnani and other saints and thinkers who laid the foundations of compassion, simplicity, brotherhood and spiritual awakening in the region.
The LG observed that the universal human vision of the Rishi-Sufi tradition places humanity above divisions and dialogue above discord. He described the Veshow Literary Festival as a modern expression of this living legacy and a celebration of ideas, creativity and future possibilities.
The LG appreciated the festival’s unique design, which brings together literature, art, heritage and livelihood. Besides literary discussions and book launches, the festival showcases traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, including an antique village highlighting the region’s history and traditions.
“In this festival, books, art, and livelihood stand together, conveying the message that, along with dialogue with writers and poets, book launches, and mutual discussion, the craftsmanship of artisans will also be showcased. Between these two is an antique village, a symbol of our heritage. I hope everyone will leave having learned something from one another,” he said.
The LG also proposed a five-point agenda for the future growth of the festival. These include the creation of a “Veshow Archive” to document oral traditions, folk tales and folk poetry; the use of modern language technologies to promote multilingual translations; expansion of mobile libraries to remote villages; integration of the festival with tourism, handicrafts and homestays; and establishment of a “Veshow Writers’ Residency” to attract authors and poets from across the country.
“We must connect the Veshow Festival directly with tourism and handicrafts. By leveraging the branding of the festival, homestays and offbeat destinations in the region can be promoted. This festival must be transformed into a cultural movement,” he said.
The LG also encouraged youth to use digital platforms and podcasts to document and promote the stories, traditions, literature and crafts of Kulgam.
The LG expressed confidence that the festival would inspire young minds, support artisans and strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s emergence as a national cultural hub.
“Let us preserve the rich heritage, promote culture, and shape a new Jammu & Kashmir,” the LG said.
On the occasion, the LG felicitated the ‘Keepers of Veshow Heritage’. He also visited the Exhibition on Veshow Traditions and released the Festival Magazine.
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Member of Legislative Assembly from Kulgam; Mohammad Afzal Parray, former Chairman, District Development Council Kulgam; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sujit Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Javed Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Shahzad Alam, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam; Anayat Ali Choudhary, SSP Kulgam; prominent personalities from literary field, youth and people in large number were present.
