Basohli Utsav 2026 begins in Jammu and Kashmir

The three-day Basohli Utsav 2026 commenced on Monday with a variety of cultural, artistic and sporting activities aimed at showcasing the region’s rich heritage and traditions. The festival, being held from October 19 to 21, witnessed the participation of public representatives, senior officers, artists, students and a large number of people.

As part of the celebrations, a bike rally flagged off from Jammu by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal was accorded a warm welcome at Kalibari. Kathua MLA Dr Bharat Bhushan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kathua Kewal Krishan and representatives of private school associations welcomed the participants before the rally proceeded towards Basohli.

A ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony was held at the park behind Basohli Fort, followed by a seminar on Geet Govind, highlighting its literary and artistic significance. A documentary on Basohli Utsav was also screened at the fort, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage and traditions.

The event was attended by Basohli MLA Darshan Singh; Bani MLA Dr Rameshwar Singh; Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Harvinder Kour; Director, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Shruti Awasthi; Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Shakti Pathak; Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Basohli Pankaj Bhagotra; and Additional Secretary, Culture Department, Lal Chand.

To encourage artistic expression among students, a cartoon workshop was organised at the iconic Basohli Fort, featuring seven renowned cartoonists from across the country. Students from various schools participated in the workshop and interacted with the artists, gaining exposure to cartooning and creative expression.

Traditional sports formed an important part of the day’s programme, with boys’ and girls’ Santholia matches organised at the Ram Leela Grounds in Basohli. Around 360 students from 30 schools participated in the matches, promoting teamwork, physical fitness and awareness of indigenous sporting traditions.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Shridhar Patil and SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma also participated in the Shobha Yatra, which was followed by an Aarti on the River Ravi near the iconic Atal Setu. The religious ceremony formed part of the day’s celebrations.

The opening-day activities reflected the focus of Basohli Utsav 2026 on promoting the region’s cultural heritage, encouraging youth participation and providing a platform for artistic expression and traditional sports.

The festival will continue until October 21, with a series of activities highlighting Basohli’s cultural identity, traditions and heritage.

Div Com Flags Off Jammu–Basohli Bike Ride

Earlier in the day, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal flagged off the Jammu–Basohli bike ride from the Tawi River Front in Jammu as part of Basohli Utsav 2026. The ride aims to promote the region’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and tourism potential while spreading the message of a drug-free society.

Speaking on the occasion, Kundal said around 30 bikers were participating in the ride from Jammu, with more riders expected to join the convoy en route. The participants were also carrying the national flag, reflecting their spirit of patriotism and commitment to the nation.

He said Basohli Utsav provides a platform to showcase the region’s vibrant cultural traditions, artistic legacy and rich heritage. He added that the bike ride would further strengthen efforts to promote Basohli as an attractive tourist destination.

Emphasising the vital role of youth in nation-building, the Divisional Commissioner appreciated the initiative for promoting a positive and healthy outlook among young people. He urged the youth to stay away from drugs and other social evils and channel their energy towards constructive activities, sports and nation-building.

Kundal further observed that such initiatives would give an impetus to tourism in Jammu and Basohli by showcasing the region’s picturesque landscapes, natural beauty and cultural attractions. He said these activities could encourage more tourists to explore the region and contribute to the growth of local tourism and the economy.

The Jammu–Basohli bike ride is among the activities being organised as part of Basohli Utsav 2026, scheduled from October 19 to 21, to celebrate the region’s distinctive cultural identity and promote its tourism potential among a wider audience.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ansuya Jamwal, along with other officers and officials, was present on the occasion.