Basohli Utsav 2026: Div Com reviews preparations for three-day festival

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar chaired a meeting of senior officers to review arrangements for the upcoming Basohli Utsav 2026, scheduled to be held from October 19 to 21 in the historic Basohli town of Kathua district.

The meeting focused on the proposed cultural, tourism, sports, academic and promotional activities, besides venue arrangements, logistics, sanitation, security and crowd management.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua briefed the meeting on preparations being undertaken by the district administration for the successful conduct of the three-day festival.

The festival will feature Ramleela, Ravi Aarti, folk and cultural performances, local artist presentations, traditional games and sports activities, a cultural procession and a Local Cuisine Haat. An exhibition of local art and Basohli paintings, along with technical and academic sessions and an Investors Summit, will also be organised.

Ramesh Kumar directed all concerned departments to ensure close coordination and timely completion of assigned activities. He asked departments to finalise activity plans and expected participation well in advance to facilitate arrangements for accommodation, meals, refreshments and other logistics.

He directed the Tourism Department to prominently showcase the tourism potential of Basohli and adjoining areas through promotional and visitor engagement initiatives. The Handicrafts and Handlooms Department was asked to involve local artisans through live demonstrations, display and sale of traditional products, with special focus on Basohli paintings and other local art forms.

The festival programme will also include seminars, panel discussions, Chaupal sessions and podcasts covering art, culture, literature, tourism, sports, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.

The Divisional Commissioner stressed wider participation of students, youth, artists, artisans, cultural personalities, investors and local communities.

He further directed departments to ensure cleanliness, approach road improvement, drainage, water and power supply, lighting, decoration, mobile toilets, waste management, fencing, barricading and security arrangements at all identified venues.

He called for physical inspections of the venues and active involvement of local committees and public representatives. ADC Basohli was nominated as the Nodal Officer for the festival.

Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)