JAMMU, Jul 16: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with the Dogri Sahitya Sabha, Kuppar Pragalta, organised the grand valedictory function of the month-long Dogra Folk Festival at Kuppar Pragalta on Thursday, celebrating the revival of the traditional Dogra folk festival “Rutt-Raade.”
The festival, dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, concluded with enthusiastic public participation. The initiative forms part of the Academy’s continued efforts to support organisations working for the revival of traditional Dogra customs and festivals.
MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi attended the programme as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by prominent personalities from the fields of Dogri literature, art and culture, besides a large gathering of writers, poets, folk artists and local residents.
The programme commenced with a Dogri Kavi Sammelan, featuring renowned and local poets, including Randhir Singh Raipuria, Sansar Chand Kalotra, Rakesh Verma, Jagdish Singh, Amit Singh Salathia, Rampal Sharma, Gandharv Singh, Neha Sharma, Rajni Thapa, Abdul Qadir Kunduria and Rajendra Singh, who presented poems reflecting the cultural ethos and literary richness of the Dogra community. Mrs. Reeta Khadyal, Editor (Dogri), JKAACL, served as the Programme In-charge.
The literary session was followed by colourful performances by various folk music groups showcasing the traditional Rutt-Raade festival through songs and cultural presentations. Women participants also demonstrated the traditional art of decorating Raade with colourful indigenous motifs and intricate folk designs, highlighting the creativity and artistic heritage of Dogra women.
As part of the event, the Academy also organised an exhibition-cum-sale of its publications, displaying books and literary works in various regional languages. The exhibition drew appreciation from visitors, writers and literature enthusiasts for promoting the diverse literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, the organisers reiterated the importance of preserving the rapidly disappearing traditions of the Dogra community. They said the successful conclusion of the month-long festival reaffirmed the commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the Dogri Sahitya Sabha to safeguarding and promoting the region’s vibrant cultural legacy through sustained collaboration and community participation.