Akhnoor, OCT 11
To promote / to preserve the traditional Duggar culture of Jammu & Kashmir , & to celebrate the Navratra Festival 2024 with Special emphasis on Swachh Bharat (Clean India Green India) , Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan, Jammu organized 2 days “SANSKRITI MOHOSTAV 2024” – A festival of Vanishing Folk art Forms , at Jia Pota Ghat Akhnoor on 11th October,2024 under the aegis of Ministry of Culture , Govt. of India , in close coordination with Jammu & Kashmir Government , Taskeen Group of Publication , Dogri Writers Group , Shubh International School Akhnoor & Durga Temple -Jia Pota Ghat, Akhnoor. Hon’ble Mohan Lal Bhagat , MLA Akhnoor Jammu was the Chief Guest, inaugurated the festival by lighting traditional lamp along with Dr.Sushma Rani , Cultural Officer Education Department J&K , Mahant Parmeshwar dass , President Durga Temple Akhnoor & Sohail Kazmi , Senior Journalist / Lawyer ( Daily Takseen) Jammu, Shilpa Mahajan , Principal, Shubh International School Akhnoor , Tariq, SHO Akhnoor who were the Guests of Honour. The artists presented Light classical Dance Om Sankalpamastu , three Sanskrit Shalok from Yazurveda( Manch Pooja). Navratra, shard festival episodes wherein lakhs of devotees form India & aboard visit the holy temple to seek blessings of Jai Pota Ghat , Durga Temple Akhnoor.The Festival, first of its kind , besides showcasing the various aspects of our folk and culture, unveiled the history , origin, sanctity of holy River Chenab with special reference to historical importance of Jia Pota Ghat.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sushma Rani, expressed her happiness to organize SANSKRITI MOHOSTAV at Akhnoor , popularly known as Virat Nagri in the ancient times, finds a place of pride in the history for its splendor, antiquity and historical importance, whereas, the Jia Pota Ghat on the right bank of river Chandrabhaga is the crowning glory of this beautiful ancient town. Historical facts of this ancient town revealed that Jia Pota Ghat is one of many ghats situated on the right bank of Chenab river which has a great significance. The Chief Guest along with Guests performed Abhishek and Puja of River Chenab amidst chanting of Vedic shloks, by Sanskrit scholars after presentation of cultural programe.
Welcoming the dignitaries pilgrims & Local Population, Sh.V.K.Magotra, Managing Director of BLSKS said our commitment to promote the traditional folk art culture is of paramount importance our organization in coordination with various Govt. Agencies / Non Governmental agencies/ stake holders have been staging various cultural programs to aware the masses the benefits of various welfare schemes including revival of traditional Dogra culture. Over 30-40 reputed artists of the region in their traditional dresses /costumes with clarion call to youth to uphold the sanctity and environment of Akhnoor focused on the occasion.
First day of the festival has been devoted on cleanliness/ sanitation within the vicinity of Akhnoor Fort in collaboration with students/youths of the area with emphasis to know our culture heritage of the region. The programme concluded with colorful presentation of Chander Bhagaa Arti- written composed and produced by Dr M.L.Dogra , Chairman on the pattern of Haridwar Arti , which strongly advocates for sanctity and preservation of our Natural resources including water. This Arti, first of its kinds was organized to mobilize people to keep our Natural resources neet and clean for our younger generation . A series of surveys & research work were conducted by the officials /artists of Blsks,by visiting sub Himalayan region of Jammu province surroundings of Mata Vaishno Devi, Udhampur, Akhnoor, Ramnagar, Doda ,Bhaderwah, Kathua etc and shortlisted 40 artistes from different places and organized 2 day research and Training workshop, Exhibition at Durga Bhawan Janipur ,Jammu. Moreover a folk cultural performance of Geetru & Kudru by Sangam Tru Art Production, Dandars by Deepak Kumar and Party, and Karkan & Baran by Ali Mohd and Party , Raju Bajgal & Party ,Sahil Gill and Party , Anjana Sharma & party, M C Kotwal and party, staged on the Inaugural days of the festival . Sh. M L Dogra , Chairman, BLSKS presented the vote of thanks & appreciated all stake holders for their cooperation in making 2-day Sanskriti Mahostav –a grand success.
