BANIHAL SUFI FESTIVAL
BY ABID PAMPORI
Doda::Under Scheme for Promotion of Traditional & Cultural Festivals and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a one-day Banihal Sufi Festival was organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) in collaboration with the Ramban District administration at Banihal.
Zamir Ahmed, Sub Divisional Magistrate Banihal, was the Chief Guest on this occasion and inaugurated the Festival, whereas, Nisar Ahmed Khoja, Sub Divisional Police Officer Banihal, was the Guest of Honour.
It was an initiative to showcase and promote local culture besides giving a platform to local artists and preserve age-old Sufi culture.
On the occasion the artists from different parts of Ramban district and areas of Kashmir valley adjoining the Ramban district took part in Mushaira and then in the Music programme.
The participants, recited their verses (Shers and Gazals) and sang in Kashmiri, Urdu and Pogli languages.
The prominent poets who participated today included Manshoor Bnihali, Zaier Banihali,Majrooh Banihali, Muzamil Banihali, Ashraf Banihali, Saifullah Banihali,Javed Banihali,Sehrish Shafi,Sahil Marhat,Gohar Banihali,Shabir Hussain Shabir,Hasan Banihali Dilfigar Banihali.
The prominent singers included Abdul Majid Chamalwasi and party,Bahar Ahmed Bahar,Bashir Akhter and Khurshid Chopan.
The locals and especially the participants lauded the efforts of JKAACL and District Administration Ramban for organising this maiden festival in Banihal which would go a long way in not only promoting the local culture and art but also in encouraging the local talented artists.
In his Valedictory speach Slah ud Din SOCA Doda thanked all the participants for their cooperation to made the event a successful one.
The Festival was organised under the able guidence of Secretary JKAACL Sh. Bharat Singh Manhas JKAS and under supervision of Sh.Sanjeev Rana JKAS Additional Secretary (Central).