Srinagar: The Srinagar city on Monday witnessed the celebration of the Kashmir Sufi & Folk Music Festival 2024 – Shashrang Season 14, organized by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages in collaboration with The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar.
This prestigious event, supported by J&K Bank, Kanwal Foods, and Qaraar Studio, and partnered by media giants Red FM, DD Kashir, and Greater Kashmir, showcased the rich musical heritage of Kashmir.
The festival commenced at 10:30 AM with an insightful Shashrang Conference titled Traditions and Transformation. The session brought together over 70 distinguished scholars, legendary musicians, artists, journalists, critics, and intellectuals. These experts engaged in comprehensive discussions on Kashmir’s musical legacy, the evolution of its traditions, and pressing cultural issues.
On this occasion, a cover Kashmiri folk song Madanwaar, conceptualized, sung, and composed by Waheed Jeelani and his Shashrang Band, shot on beautiful locations of Kashmir, was also screened as a tribute to our musical legacy.
The cultural segment of the festival began at 2:00 PM with the arrival of Chief Guests, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of J&K and Member of Parliament.
The inaugural address was delivered by Harvinder Kour, Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. In her welcome speech, she highlighted the academy’s pivotal role in promoting cultural events and underscored the significance of festivals like Shashrang in preserving the region’s artistic heritage.
The event featured an array of spellbinding performances that captivated the audience. The program opened with a soulful rendition of Surnai and was followed by Wadan Sufiana Kalaam, masterfully presented by Ustaad Mohammad Yaqoob Shaikh and Shabir Ahmad Saznawaz.
The audience was also treated to the melodious notes of Kashmiri folk music performed by Gulzar Ahmad Ganai and Manzoor Ahmad Shah, while the traditional Roff by the Yemberzal Group added a rhythmic charm. A special choral presentation and a Kashmiri musical symphony enriched the lineup, culminating in the classic Shashrang performance featuring all participants.
The festival concluded with the much-awaited Shashrang Awards 2024, honoring icons of Kashmiri music. The prestigious awards were conferred upon Gulzar Ahmad Mir, Pt. Krishan Langoo, Jameela Khan, Assad-ul-Lah Shah, and Assad Anjum for their invaluable contributions to the musical landscape of Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah praised the organizers and emphasized the importance of preserving the traditional music of Kashmir. He expressed hope that such grand events would continue to foster peace, love, and unity in the region. Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather echoed these sentiments, expressing his admiration for the dedication of the artists and performers. He assured the attendees that issues facing the artistic community would be addressed and resolved.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Waheed Jeelani, Chairman of The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar, who appreciated the unwavering support of all participants, sponsors, and the enthusiastic audience.
Shashrang Season 14 has once again proven to be a beacon of Kashmir’s rich cultural essence, weaving together tradition, art, and community in a celebration that echoes far beyond the walls of Tagore Hall.
‘Shashrang Season 14’ celebrated in Sgr
