STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Shopian Town welcomed the ‘Chillai Kalan’, period of harsh winters by organising a grand musical festival at Batpura Sports Stadium, Shopian. The event witnessed a huge crowd of more than 3000 locals from Shopian, Pulwama&Badgam districts.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow clad peaks of Pir Panjal, Srinagar based Chinar Band electrified the atmosphere with its melodious & energetic performances. Treating the crowd with a mix of music, comedy & stand up performances band won the hearts of one & all. The crowd enjoyed multiple Kashmiri cuisines, handicraft stalls& a grand raffle draw.A Wall of Kindnesswas also established at the site forthe needy.
The festival was aimed at promoting Kashmiri culture, handicraft & cuisine. It is no surprise that Kashmiri youth have abundance of talent &Chillai Kalan musical festival was one such platform which afforded an opportunity to showcase it.
Addressing the media, Major General Rashim Bali appealed to youth to continue striving for an educated Kashmiri Society & contribute in bringing development & peace to this Jannat of Allah. The General Officer pointed out that winds of change can be felt in South Kashmir & it was heartening to see a cultural festival organised in the heart of Shopian. He stressed that youth of Kashmir are the future &they need to be nurtured into responsible citizens of the society.