Bilal Bashir Bhat Follow @bilalbashirbhat
Abdul Karim Malla, a 78-year-old retired teacher, stood mesmerized by a potter’s steady hands. “This takes me back to my grandfather’s workshop,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “It’s like seeing my old village again, the Srinagar District Administration and IGNCA have brought back what I thought was gone forever.”
These stories rise from the grounds of Numashi, now known as Kashmir Haat, a place that often lies in neglect but has now sprung to life. The area hums with quiet reverence, transformed into a vivid showcase of Srinagar’s rich history.
The Srinagar Heritage Festival, dubbed Soan Meeraas, meaning “Our Heritage” in Kashmiri, offered a heartfelt glimpse into the traditions, crafts, and spirit of Kashmir’s past.
Spearheaded by the District Administration Srinagar and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the festival feels like stepping back in time, a nostalgic journey linking the present to echoes of yesteryear.
Since its launch earlier this week, Soan Meeraas has captivated all who enter its embrace. Srinagar’s bustling lanes, framed by snow-capped Himalayas, burst with energy as a heritage village emerges, artisans carve copper, weave textiles, shape pottery, and paint with the precision of centuries-old techniques.
Thought-provoking podcasts add a modern twist to the lineup. Events at the Jhelum Riverfront, Dal Lake, and Kashmir Haat have created unforgettable experiences, strengthening community ties and igniting a sense of identity. The festival opened with breathtaking exhibitions of paintings and calligraphy, while folk performances like Sazh Loung, filled the air with melodies that tether today to Kashmir’s cultural roots.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, attending the event at Kashmir Haat, shared his vision for its impact. “This festival celebrates the incredible work of our artisans, folk artists, and writers,” he said in his address. “It honors our unique and diverse heritage, inspiring growth for the future.” His words underscore a deep commitment to preserving Kashmir’s culture, a mission radiating through every facet of Soan Meeraas. “I want to see every child connected to their roots and every young person carrying forward the legacy of our artisans, helping boost Jammu and Kashmir’s economy,” he added, envisioning a future where tradition drives progress.
On the occasion, he also released a book titled Iconic Women of J&K and honored students and artists participating in the festival.
“This isn’t just an event; it’s a way to revive our identity,” Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat remarked. “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure this festival lets people experience Kashmir’s heritage up close.”
“Culture isn’t frozen in time, it evolves yet remains timeless,” said Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director of IGNCA. “Collaborating with the District Administration has allowed us to craft something extraordinary, and the response has been overwhelming.”
Despite occasional rainfall and snowfall, the festival stirs a powerful sense of familiarity for attendees. Younger visitors, like 28-year-old Sabahat Muqadas, feel its pull too. “I’ve only read about this in books,” she said, snapping photos of a papier-mâché display. “Now I understand, I’m proud to be Kashmiri.”
The praise continues to flow. Brajesh Jha, a journalist from Delhi, noted, “Everything’s spot-on, from the heritage village to the performances. The District Administration and IGNCA have shown what’s possible when you truly value a place’s legacy.”
As dusk falls and the festival glows beneath a golden sky, Soan Meeraas proves it’s more than a celebration, it’s a call to cherish what matters. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the District Administration and IGNCA, Kashmir’s past doesn’t merely linger in memory; it lives, breathes, and beckons us all to remember.
With Visuals from our photojournalist Iqbal Beigh
