Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Baramulla, August 10: In a landmark achievement, 10,000 young women from Baramulla set a world record by performing the largest-ever Kashmiri Folk Dance at the ‘Kashur Riwaaj’ cultural festival. The event, organized by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the Baramulla District Administration and Indrani Balan Foundation, was held at Prof. Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium. It was part of the lead-up to the 78th Independence Day celebrations, showcasing the vibrant traditions of Kashmir through dance, music, calligraphy, and other cultural activities.
The festival’s centerpiece was the Rouf dance, where the young women’s collective performance was recognized by the Universal Records Forum (URF), a certified organization adhering to Guinness records standards. The participants had rehearsed for a month, with many expressing pride in their achievement. “This is a great accomplishment, and we are proud to be part of this world record,” said one participant.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, and Maj. Gen. Rajesh Sethi, GOC of Dagger Division. The Indrani Balan Foundation, led by Punit and Janhavi Balan, supported the initiative, highlighting the successful collaboration between civil, military, and youth sectors in promoting cultural heritage.
The festival also featured performances by renowned local artists. Ishfaq Hamid Bhatt, a 13-year-old Rubab prodigy and recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar 2024, captivated the audience with his skills. Santoor maestro Naseer Ahmed Mir, awarded a gold medal by the President of India, also performed, mesmerizing attendees. Additionally, 70-year-old calligraphy expert Shafi Mir showcased his craft and presented an intricate piece to the event’s chief guest.
The “Strings of Baramulla” band from the Chinar YUVA Centre delivered a passionate performance, further energizing the audience. Popular Radio Baramulla RJs Harleen and Sajid served as the event’s emcees, embodying the festival’s spirit as a celebration “of the Youth, by the Youth, for the Youth of Baramulla.”
The success of ‘Kashur Riwaaj’ has set a new benchmark for cultural engagements in the region, uniting the youth of Kashmir in a powerful display of tradition, artistry, and national pride.
