News and Events |
Kashmiri Pandit civilizational culture and symbols at Mahotsav 2023 Jammu India, December 11, 2023 |
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A showcase of Kashmiri Pandit civilizational culture and symbols at Mahotsav 2023 The Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD) organized a first-of-its-kind Mahotsav 2023' in Jammu on December 9-10 to showcase the progressive entrepreneurial activities, agro businesses, social enterprises and startups in the two UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to encourage the youth by this exposure. The festival also brought together the diverse cultural groups together over two days to give it a rainbow effect and entertain the visitors. Over 300 stalls that filled up the sprawling police ground in Gandhi Nagar of Jammu included a stall from Global Solace Society with Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, who depicted the distinct Kashmiri Pandit civilizational elements through a painting exhibition, live cultural performances and Koshur saal. GGS a registered charity in Jammu has been in the forefront of community welfare services and a rallying organization for social welfare among KPs in the city. So, using this opportunity, VKS and GGS curated a carefully chosen theme of Sabhyata, Sanskar & Swabhiman to introduce the KP culture and ethnic unique to thousands of visitors to the fest. Virji Sumbly, a well-known painter from KP community joined force and provided with unique posters that depicted Kashmir’s heritage and important personalities. His paintings included Shankaracharya temple, Vatista Devi, Kashmira Devi, Kheer Bhawani, Shriya Bhat, Birbal Bhar, Kripa Ram Dutt and sharda lipi manuscripts which date to over 300 years. Koshur saal comprising of traditional KP cuisine of haakh, nadru yakhni, duma loo, razma, mujj chatni, kehwa, sheer chai and served in bronze thaalis and khos served in traditional sit in positions attracted a lot of interest from the visitors and was liked by them as they thronged the arena. Pintoo ji president GGS expressed the hope that such attraction will eventually help Kashmiri food to find more customer and thus promote food enterprises in the community. He added that the festival gave youth an opportunity to participate in various activities and learn about social enterprises. Dr Agnisekhar, who spent some time at the stall explained to visitors about the importance of Kashmiri Hindu culture and its legacy. The symbolic puja procedures of Pann and Vatuk were also very interesting. A number of eminent people from various walks of life also walked in and appreciated the thematic presentations at the stall. Ladies dressed in traditional pheran and men in turbans added to the attraction. Pherans, kangri, mud utensils, and other traditional items made the stall look like a typical KP household in celebration. Speaking about the stall and the successful two days, convenor VKS Kiran Watal said the ocassion has really given exposure to our age old cultural practices which continues to our pride and identity preserve. True to vision of the event, the GSS and VKS team also participated in networking and learning about the state and its changing face. About Global Solace Jagti, Jammu Global Solace is a Registered Society established with the objectives of furthering social welfare of needy and economically weaker by way of support, running campaigns and training, special purpose camps, advocacy and projects. Youth empowerment, supporting marriages of poor, helping elderly, education, healthcare, skilling and livelihoods, samhoyik yagneopavit sustainability are some of the areas where the society is laying emphasis based on the needs of the population that it is catering to. |
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