Basohli, Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir - The third edition of the Basohli Utsav, a five-day festival celebrating the region's rich art and cultural heritage, was inaugurated on September 28, 2025, in the historic town of Basohli. The event was officially opened by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, and was held alongside the Navratri celebrations.
Organized by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the divisional administration of Jammu, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, the festival aimed to promote Basohli's unique traditions, especially its world-renowned Basohli paintings, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023. This year's festival, themed around the traditions of the Ramayana, included a variety of events such as Ram Leela enactments, exhibitions, and cultural performances.
The festival provided a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their crafts, including the famed Basohli Pashmina. An Investor Meet was also organized for the first time to help these artisans expand their markets and improve their livelihoods. The event also featured traditional sports like Santolia and Stapu, and competitions in painting and Bhajan singing, encouraging the youth to connect with their cultural roots. The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, called the event a "Mahakumbh of art, culture and tradition" and highlighted its role in promoting "Brand Basohli" globally. He stated that a 'whole of government' approach was needed to promote Basohli paintings and ensure the prosperity of its artists.
In addition to cultural events, the festival was used to raise social awareness. Programs on topics like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and other government welfare schemes were conducted. The event also included a special laser and beam show that depicted themes of Ram Leela, Navratri, and patriotism. One of the major highlights was the Puroshani Aarti, a grand prayer ceremony held on the banks of the Ravi River near the Atal Setu bridge, which drew a large crowd. The festival was seen as a way to boost tourism and the local economy, while also preserving the region's historical and artistic legacy.
The Basohli Utsav, which will become an annual event, concluded on October 2, 2025. The organizers hoped that the festival would continue to grow, bringing more recognition and prosperity to the Basohli region and its people.
