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JAMMU: The five-day National Level Music-cum-Cultural Festival “Lok Rang Utsav 2026”, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, concluded today at the open ground in Gulabgarh, Paddar (District Kishtwar). The festival, which commenced on March 24 across various venues of Jammu Division, culminated with a vibrant finale in the picturesque valley of Paddar, attracting a large gathering of people from all walks of life.
The concluding event showcased the rich cultural diversity of the country through captivating folk performances by artists from Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat, along with a local troupe from Kishtwar. The colourful performances mesmerized the audience and created an atmosphere of celebration and cultural harmony.
Tehsildar Paddar, Vijay Kumar, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, appreciated the initiative of organising such a prestigious national-level programme in the remote yet culturally rich region of Paddar. He remarked that culture forms the core of identity and acts as a bridge connecting communities and generations. Highlighting the unique traditions, folk music and vibrant festivals of Paddar, he said that such initiatives provide a valuable platform to showcase the region’s heritage at the national level while strengthening the spirit of unity in diversity. He also encouraged youth to actively participate in preserving traditional art forms.
Assistant Director, NZCC Patiala, Ravinder Sharma, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and providing national platforms to regional artists through such programmes. Among others present were Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand; SDPO Paddar, Vijay Kumar Bhagat; Principal, GHSS Gulabgarh, Dalbir Singh; Chief Editor Sheeraza Punjabi, Popinder Singh Paras; ZEO Gulabgarh, besides a large number of students, teachers and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary JKAACL described the festival as a celebration of India’s living traditions and collective identity. Chief Editor Sheeraza Punjabi highlighted the Academy’s literary initiatives and encouraged students to take up creative writing.
The programme was conducted by Sanjiv Shaad and publications of the Academy were also displayed. With its successful conclusion, Lok Rang Utsav 2026 not only showcased diverse folk traditions but also reinforced the message of cultural unity, leaving the audience with lasting memories of music, dance and shared heritage.
