JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS) organized a soulful Bhajan Sandhya today in the KL Sehgal Hall, to mark the auspicious occasion of the Holi Festival. The program was inaugurated by MLA East, Yudhvir Sethi as the Chief Guest.
Secretary, JKAACL, Harvinder Kaur presided over the function, while President, J&K Gau Raksha Samiti Raj Kumar Gupta; Pawan Khajuria, Sohail Kazmi, Senior Journalist, Dr. M.L. Dogra, Chairman BLSKS and V.K. Mangotra, MD, BLSKS, graced the event as Guests of Honour.
Yudhvir Sethi lauded JKAACL for promoting cultural heritage through such initiatives. He also commended BLSKS for successfully organizing the event and bringing together talented artists to celebrate the festive spirit of Holi.
Secretary JKAACL highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms and festivals. She emphasized that events like these foster cultural unity and strengthen community bonds.
In his welcome address, V.K. Mangotra, MD, BLSKS, spoke about the essence of Holi as a festival of colors and joy. He highlighted its association with the spring season and cultural harmony.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. M.L. Dogra, Chairman, BLSKS, shared insights from Ayurveda, mentioning that in ancient times, herbal colors made from vegetable dyes and turmeric were used during Holi to promote well-being.
The musical evening commenced with the melodious rendition of "Ho Mubarik Manjri Phoolon Bhari" and "Murli Da Nazara", followed by several devotional bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. The mesmerizing performances captivated the audience, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
The prominent artists who participated in the event included Usha Raina, Zulekha Bano, K.K. Joshi, Rajeev Salotra, Chahat Chadha, Naiya Meenia, Raju Bajgal, Rajni Gupta, Poonam, Bunty Malhotra, Ajay Kumar (Synth), Deepak (Dholak), Ayush (Pad), Rakesh Jasotra (Flute), Giridari Lal (Sarangi), Mohan Lal (Harmonium), among many others. Their enthralling performances left a lasting impression on the large gathering of spectators, including artists and youth.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Sh. Deepak Kumar Dogra, Program Coordinator, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, artists, and attendees for making the event a grand success.
