Heritage Walk, discussions, folk dance, street theatre, classical vocal concert mark day-2 of Tawi Art Festival

JAMMU, February 26: The unique ‘The Tawi Art Festival’ witnessed a heavy footfall as it entered the second day on Sunday. The visitors were amazed to witness a variety of programmes and get the real feel of rich Dogra culture amid a mesmerizing experience never ever witnessed before.

The main attraction of today’s cultural itinerary was the Heritage Walk organised at Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi Jammu.

Kirpal Singh, conservation expert and former Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi, guided the participants through the walk to the interiors of historical Mubarak Mandi buildings complex and shared with them the archaeological and historical significance of the rich Dogra Culture, dating back to 1824. Singh accompanying the participants to the several courtyards and buildings within the Palace such as the Darbar Hall Complex, the Pink Palace, Royal Courts buildings, Gol Ghar Complex, Nawa Mahal, Rani Charaki Palace, Hawa Mahal, etc. briefed them about the structures and the Royal traditions that used to be part of the activities in this complex during the Dogra Rule.  

The participants were acquainted with the rich heritage collection of old miniature paintings and other artifacts of historical significance depicting the richness of Dogra culture in Jammu region. 

The second-day session started with a welcome address of Dr Jyotsna Singh, Director of the Amar Mahal Museum & Library and a member of the erstwhile Dogra Royal Family. She delivered the address at Darbar Hall Amar Mahal, Jammu enlightening the visitors about the purpose and aim of organizing this mega event. She also enlightened them about the salient features of the Dogra Rule and the rich cultural legacy of the Dogra people.

On the occasion, former Governor and Founder of the Amar Mahal Museum & Library, Dr. Karan Singh; M.K Ajatshatru Singh, Kanwarani Ritu Singh and prominent persons graced the occasion.

Rajinder Pawar, Founder and Chairman NIIT Group delivered a fascinating address at the inaugural session on ‘Heritage: Past and Future’ at Darbar Hall Amar Mahal, Jammu. Highlighting the significance of promoting cultural identity and preserving heritage, he emphasized that Culture and Heritage are the roots of a community or region and bear the same significance as the roots have for the tree. He said that this is the beginning of creating massive awareness about Jammu region’s rich heritage and making it popular at the national as well as global level.

The Chairman NIIT asked youth of Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and understand the significance of heritage. He asked them to unite with social organizations working for the preservation of heritage and make all efforts in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Vinita Dawra Nangia, Festival Director said there is dire need to hold such festivals on every regular interval. She asserted that every sector and every region must organize such type of festivals in promoting our rich heritage.  She also shared her experience during her engagement with the Times Literary Festival. She also assured to hold some sessions on Dogri Literature in the upcoming edition of Times Literary Festival.

Similarly, Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh spoke about her current pursuit of art work with the artists at Kishangarh Atelier.

Maalvika Pathania, associated with INTACH Himachal Pradesh, briefed about her extensive research in temple architecture.

Kirpal Singh former Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi gave an overview of the art and craft of the Jammu region.

Other attractions of the festival were the Mela showcasing the folk dances and music. The Natrang artists left the visitors spellbound with their scintillating performance by presenting the play Ghatt. During the Mela, the visitors enjoyed the mouthwatering traditional foods of Jammu region.

Later, Dr Jyotsana held a discussion on the Future Perspective of Heritage. He focused on methods of developing and sustaining heritage and outreach programmes through regional initiatives, collaborations and the importance of encouraging student participation.

Niti Pawar, expert on traditional handicrafts; Rani Shailaja Katoch from Labagram who manages a museum at the Kangra Fort; Maharawal Chaitanya Singh of Jaisalmer, who is involved in education and conservation; R.K Adhishree Singh, Founder AGENC Colab and speakers from the morning session were also participated in the discussion.

Special invitees Anshu Khanna and Safir Anand gave their impressions of the festival and also gave suggestions for the future.

Mukteshi Sharma, a versatile singer of rare sensitivity from Jammu presented a classical vocal concert.

The second day concluded with Himachali Dham, comprising multi-cuisine from Kangra.