Duggan village witnesses first ever cultural programme
24th of September, 2023 : First ever in the history, the remote village Duggan of Bani has witnessed a day long cultural extravaganza in Vasuki Nag Mela. The occasion was organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages who has left no stone unturned to create a history in the remotest area of Kathua district. Eminent Producer/Director & Filmmaker Sh. Kulwant Singh Manhas was the Chief Guest on the occasion whereas Sub Divisional Magistrate Sh. Satish Sharma was the guest of honour. They both were joined by Smt. Reeta Thakur DDC member of Bani as special guest.
At the very outset, SOCA Kathua, Sanjeev Gupta stated that Sh. Bharat Singh, JKAS Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages is very devoted for the promotion of art and culture in the entire length & breadth of the Union Territory Jammu & Kashmir. One can easily find the representation of JKAACL in almost every event happening in J&K, he added.
Speaking on the occasion Sh. Kulwant Singh Manhas commended the efforts of the JKAACL, artists for promotion of local folk art and culture in the picturesque Daggan of Bani Valley. He further said such kind of initiatives always takes the Culture to the next level of preservation of arts and more such occasions should be created so that age old traditions, which are the identities of our culture, are revived. Such festivities play a major role in promoting communal harmony, brotherhood and community participation. I hope that JKAACL will continue to come up with such kind endeavours in Bani, he added.
The programme was started with the vibrant folk singing by seven different folks parties which includes Varinder Jotyan & Party, Darmaz Sandu & Party, Simu Thakur & Party, Ravi Kumar & Party, Madan Lal & Party, Ajeet Singh & Party, Bandhana Devi & Party who made everyone spellbound with their mesmerising singing. This was followed by Kud dance which is one of the most popular folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir. This dance is mainly performed to pay obeisance to the Lok Devtas by three Kud Parties viz. Kuldeep Singh & Party, Pankesh Kumar & Party & Bushan Singh & Party who made everyone awestruck with their powerful presentation skills. The one day cultural event was culminated with the power-packed performances of Goorain & Suhaag by Tripta Devi & Party, Dogri Folk Singing by Mela Ram & Party, Dogri Dance by M. R Chauhan & Party, Dogri Singing by Lekh Raj & Party, Folk Dance by Madan Mantoo, Folk Singing by Rajesh Parihar & Party and Dogri Singing by Paramjeet , Monika Devi and Party.
Earlier Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary (C), Sh. Sanjeev Rana JKAS shared the efforts of the academy for promotion and preservation of local art, culture and languages. He highlighted that this one day cultural programme is part of a series of events aimed at celebrating the rich heritage and culture of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly within the Samba & Kathua districts. The festival serves as a testament to the Academy’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural diversity of the region.
SOCA Kathua, Sanjeev Gupta presented the vote of thanks.
