Excelsior correspondent
BARAMULLA, Aug 10: In a historic feat, 10,000 young women from Baramulla created a world record by performing the largest ever Kashmiri folk dance at the cultural festival ‘Kashur Riwaaj’. The festival was a major event organised by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in association with the Baramulla district administration and the Indrani Balan Foundation ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebrations.
The festival was held at the Prof. Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium and showcased the living traditions of Kashmir through traditional dances, music, calligraphy and cultural activities. The climax was the collective performance of the Rouf dance by the young women, setting a new world record.
“We have been rehearsing for almost a month. Now we feel that all the effort has paid off. This is a great achievement and we are proud to be part of the world record,” said one of the young participants.
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The district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Minga Sherpa ensured the smooth running of the event. Senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Department, police and non-governmental organizations were also present at the historic event and encouraged the participants.
The guest of honour was Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, Corps Commander, Chinar Corps, while Major General Rajesh Sethi, GOC, Dagger Division and Commander, Baramulla Brigade, Brigadier Rajat Bhatt were also present on the occasion.
The Indrani Balan Foundation, headed by Punit and Janhavi Balan, supported the initiative and continued its involvement in various development and cultural activities in Baramulla. “This is a shining example of constructive engagement and cooperation between civil, military and industrial sectors and the youth,” said an IBF official.
This record-breaking event was adjudicated by the Universal Records Forum. The Universal Records Forum (URF) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization that complies with Guinness World Records standards, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining quality management standards. This certification ensures that the URF follows strict processes and standards in its operations, including record verification and adjudication.
A local professor said, “Kashmiri culture is a melting pot of diversity, but today’s youth are showing waning interest because it is out of fashion. The initiative of the army and the district authorities has revived interest in our age-old traditions.”
The cultural festival was a vibrant showcase of Kashmiri artistry and talent of renowned local artists. Visitors were privileged to witness remarkable performances and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
Ishfaq Hamid Bhatt, a 13-year-old child prodigy, showcased his exceptional skills on the rubab. Awarded the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar 2024, Master Ishfaq is known for his remarkable talent and commitment towards preserving Kashmiri musical traditions.
Naseer Ahmed Mir, a celebrated santoor player, also performed at the fest. He was awarded a gold medal by the President of India during the Kashmir University 2021 graduation ceremony in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art of santoor playing. The mini concert of rubab and santoor mesmerized the audience.
Shafi Mir, a calligraphy expert from Baramulla, was also part of the event. The 70-year-old Mir brings a lifetime of experience and skill to the craft. He also presented the guest of honour with an intricate calligraphic work he had done on the spot.
The passionate performance by the Chinar YUVA Centre band ‘Strings of Baramulla’ was the highlight of the show. The audience was enthralled as the popular RJs of Radio Baramulla took the stage as presenters. “It was a programme of the youth, by the youth, for the youth of Baramulla,” said RJ Harleen.
RJ Sajid added, “This event has demonstrated the vibrant spirit of our young generation and their commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while maintaining a certain national pride.”
The success of ‘Kashur Riwaaj’ has set a benchmark for future cultural engagements in the region and united the youth of Kashmir in a demonstration of tradition and patriotism.
