JAMMU / SHILLONG, Aug 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) showcased the rich and composite cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir through a vibrant presentation of traditional folk dances at Lok Bhawan, Shillong, as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
The programme was organised by Lok Bhawan, Shillong, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Shillong, on August 15 and 16, 2026. Artists from Jammu and Kashmir presented Kashmiri Rouf, Dogri Jagarna and Gojri Dance, offering audiences a colourful glimpse into the region’s diverse traditions and social fabric.
The performances received appreciation from the audience and dignitaries and were also appreciated during the ‘At Home’ hosted by Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan on Independence Day. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, senior government officials, defence and police personnel, artists and cultural representatives attended the programme.
The presentation brought together the cultural traditions of Kashmir, Jammu and the Gujjar community, reinforcing the message of “Unity in Diversity.”
Kashmiri Rouf, traditionally performed by women during weddings, festivals and social gatherings, reflected the grace and festive spirit of Kashmiri society through coordinated movements and rhythmic footwork.
Dogri Jagarna represented the lively wedding traditions of the Jammu region. Traditionally performed by women while the men of the family go to bring home the bride, the folk form combines humour, playful exchanges, Boliyan and rhythmic beats of the Dholak.
The soulful Gojri Dance highlighted the cultural traditions of the nomadic Gujjar community and its close relationship with nature, forests, pastures and pastoral life. The popular Gojri “Koonjadiye” portrayed the emotional world of pastoral communities through an imaginative conversation between a Gujjar woman and a hill bird.
Natya Rang also presented the Jammu and Kashmir fusion “Jammu Kashmir, Mera Jammu Kashmir”, conceived around the theme of unity in diversity. Through a fusion of regional cultural expressions, the performance highlighted harmony, coexistence and the shared cultural identity of the Union Territory.
The wider celebrations featured cultural performances from different parts of the country, including Bhawai Dance and Kalbelia “Kesariya Balam” by the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur; a Karnataka presentation of “Milke Saare Bandhan Todenge Hum”; Khasi warrior dance “Ka Shad Mastieh”; Wangala Harvest Dance of the Garo tribe; Bharatanatyam presentation of “Vande Mataram”; Jaintia folk dance “Chad Kheit Soh”; and a “Cultural Melting Pot” performance from Bengal.
Musical presentations by the Jazz Band and Symphony Band of the Assam Rifles and the Assam Regimental Centre Band added further vibrancy to the celebrations.
The Jammu and Kashmir presentation was performed by Jammu-based cultural and theatre organisation Natya Rang. The contingent was led by Mohd. Yaseen, with Sunny Mujoo as performer and choreographer. Pankaj Sharma, an official from JKAACL deputed with the team, accompanied the artists and coordinated arrangements.
The participating artists included Musarat Bano, Vipashu Sharma, Pallvi Sharma, Isha Sharma, Kananpreet Kaur, Muskaan Thakur, Janvi Biloria, Depika Jangral and Chinky Behal.
The presentation provided an important national platform for artists from Jammu and Kashmir to share the region’s cultural heritage while strengthening cultural ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. The successful performances underlined the power of traditional art forms to promote cultural exchange, national integration and the enduring spirit of “Unity in Diversity.”