Manasbal, Oct 25: The fifth edition of Jashn-e-Manasbal was held on October 24 from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the Open Air Theatre, Manasbal, celebrating the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme featured folk music, dance, drama and solo performances by talented artists, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
Shri Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, was the Chief Guest, while Miss Harvinder Kaur, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), attended as the Guest of Honour. Shri Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director, Information, was also present on the occasion.
The welcome address was delivered by renowned theatre writer and director Nisar Naseem, while Shri Bashir Ahmed Parray presented the vote of thanks.
Promoting Manasbal as a Major Tourist Destination
CEO of the Wular and Manasbal Development Authority, Shri Ahsan Ul Haq Chesti, highlighted the developmental initiatives undertaken in Manasbal and its surrounding areas. He emphasised that, after Srinagar, Manasbal should be developed as the second major tourist destination, adding that efforts in this direction were underway.
Miss Harvinder Kaur, Secretary of JKAACL, appreciated the efforts of Manasbal Dramatics in promoting art and culture. She stressed the importance of organising more cultural programmes at the Open Air Theatre, Manasbal, and announced certain schemes aimed at the welfare and betterment of artists.
Chief Guest Shri Nasir Aslam Wani appreciated the efforts of the organisers and emphasised the need for the Cultural Academy to organise similar programmes across different parts of the Union Territory, particularly in rural areas. He noted that such initiatives would help younger generations connect with their cultural roots and appreciate their artistic heritage. He further stressed that cultural programmes should be organised among youth to encourage positive engagement and guide them towards the right path.
Literary Awards and Book Release
Continuing its tradition of recognising and honouring literary and theatrical contributions, Manasbal Dramatics has been presenting awards to poets, writers and theatre personalities since 2022.
This year, the Niyamatullah Parray Award was presented to renowned poet and writer Shri Fayaz Ahmed Teilgami. The Lal Mohammad Khan Zakhmi Award was conferred upon noted poet and writer Shri Shehbaz Haakbaari, while the Khilat-e-Raheem Padshah (R.A.) was presented to acclaimed poet, playwright and actor Shri Rasheed Gamgeen.
Another highlight of the programme was the release of “Shafqat”, the eighth collection of plays by Shri Rasheed Gamgeen. The book was released by Chief Guest Shri Nasir Aslam Wani and Guest of Honour Miss Harvinder Kaur.
The programme was anchored by Mubashir Riyaz and Rifat Raheem.
A large gathering of renowned poets, writers, directors and art enthusiasts from different parts of the Kashmir Valley attended the event, making it a memorable celebration of the region’s vibrant cultural traditions.
The programme was organised by Manasbal Dramatics in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) and the Department of Information and Public Relations, Kashmir.
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