Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar is set to host the fourth season of Fankar-E-Kashmir, a cultural platform working to give the Valley’s traditional folk music a stronger foothold among younger audiences, with the season culminating in a grand finale on 28 September at Tagore Hall. Conceptualised by ShowCase Events, The Eagle and Kashmir Rabab Academy, the initiative has grown over four years from a modest attempt to counter the declining visibility of Kashmiri folk traditions into a wider ecosystem connecting young artists with mentorship, auditions, studio recording opportunities and institutional support.
Season 4 expands considerably on earlier editions, moving beyond the format of a conventional music competition to include live auditions, knowledge sessions and structured mentorship for participants, alongside opportunities to record professionally. Organisers say the intent is not merely to preserve folk traditions in their existing form but to help young performers evolve those traditions while building sustainable careers, a shift reflected in this year’s expanded programming.
Angelina Fernandes, Founder of The Eagle, noted that the platform has grown steadily since staging its first edition against considerable odds, successfully reviving interest in local folk music among younger listeners in the region. She said the current season represents a significant expansion of that ambition, with an emphasis on ensuring artists gain recognition and professional opportunities on both national and international stages.
Nazir Ganaie, journalist, filmmaker and Founder of Kashmir Rabab Academy, described Fankar-E-Kashmir as more than a musicians’ platform, calling it a space where artists, performers, government functionaries and other stakeholders converge with the shared goal of making Kashmiri music richer and more connected to the wider world. He added that traditional voices are being encouraged to evolve and compete rather than remain frozen in time.
The season has drawn a wider network of institutional partners, with Sustainnovate Research and Advocacy Foundation joining as NGO partner and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages lending institutional backing. The RAAB Foundation has come on board as Title Sponsor.
Nanni Singh and Naina Kukreja of ShowCase Events described the initiative as having evolved from a passion project into a movement, with organisers emphasising a long term goal of building a lasting cultural economy around Kashmir’s traditional music and empowering young artists with national platforms as the countdown to the 28 September finale at Tagore Hall begins.
