Basohli Utsav: Day 4 blends spirituality, culture and sportsmanship, Justice Sanjeev Kumar Shukla joins citizens at Maha Raavi Aarti and cultural evening

BASOHLI: The fourth day of Basohli Utsav 3.0 was illuminated by the divine splendour of the Maha Raavi Aarti, performed at the majestic Atal Setu on the banks of River Raavi. Modeled on the lines of the iconic Ganga Aarti, the ceremony was conducted by Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli, amid rhythmic chanting of mantras, resonating bells, and the glow of countless diyas reflecting on the flowing waters of the Raavi.

The Aarti created a deeply spiritual ambience that left devotees and visitors spellbound. The sight of priests performing synchronized rituals with large brass lamps under the shimmering lights of Atal Setu offered a surreal experience to the gathering. A large number of citizens, devotees and tourists thronged the venue to witness the unique spectacle which has now become one of the signature attractions of Basohli Utsav.

The sacred event was graced by Justice Sanjeev Kumar Shukla, J&K and Ladakh High Court along with MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan; Director ACB Shakti Pathak; DC Kathua Rajesh Sharma; ADC Basohli Pankaj Bhagotra and other dignitaries, who joined the devotees in offering prayers and witnessing the devotional grandeur.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Sanjeev Kumar Shukla said that Basohli Utsav provides a great opportunity to revive the pristine glory of Basohli, which holds unique strategic, cultural and heritage importance in today’s time. He called for concerted efforts to make Basohli Utsav an annual feature of significance and to work collectively for the proper marketing of Basohli’s world-class Pashmina and Pahari miniature paintings.

After the Aarti, a grand Shobha Yatra carrying traditional fervour and festivity moved from Atal Setu to Ram Lila Ground. The evening cultural programme featured Dogri folk performances by Anil & Party and Mamta & Party, which enthralled the spectators with soulful renditions celebrating the region’s heritage.

Earlier in the day, traditional sports finals at Baharla Chougan Park kept the youthful energy of the festival alive. In the Satoliya final, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya outplayed Veer Savarkar Higher Secondary School in a keenly contested match. The Tug of War final witnessed a spirited display of strength and coordination, with Ramisht Twinkling Star School triumphing over Model Higher Secondary School. In the Kabaddi final, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya once again showcased its dominance, defeating Model Higher Secondary School to lift the title.

The day concluded with the staging of the celebrated Basohli Ram Lila, where the dramatic episode of Lord Hanuman bringing the Sanjeevani Booti to revive Lakshman drew thunderous applause, leaving the audience immersed in devotion and awe.