DODA, MARCH 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKACL) in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, organized a National Cultural-cum-Music Programme titled “Lok Rang Utsav 2026” at Doda, today.
The vibrant programme showcased the rich cultural diversity of the country through captivating folk performances. Artists from Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat enthralled the audience with colourful presentations, while a local troupe added a unique regional flavour to the event.
Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he expressed gratitude to the Cultural Academy for organising the programme in Doda and appreciated the participating artists for their impressive performances. “Culture represents a confluence of the past and the future and there is a need for collective efforts to preserve and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage,” he remarked.
Referring to the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” he highlighted the importance of such events in fostering national unity and cultural integration. The Deputy Commissioner lauded the performers for their energetic presentations and stressed that local artists should be provided opportunities to showcase their talent at national-level platforms. He added that Doda, being a mountainous district, possesses a rich cultural legacy and such initiatives play a crucial role in nurturing and promoting local talent.
Additional District Development Commissioner, Roshan Lal; Additional Deputy Commissioner Anil Thakur; Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand; Assistant Director, NZCC Patiala, Ravinder Sharma and Chief Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, Popinder Singh Paras, large number of art lovers, locals, besides students and teachers of different educational institutions were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Additional Secretary described Lok Rang Utsav as a celebration of India’s living traditions and collective identity, emphasizing its role in promoting cultural exchange and unity across regions.
The programme was conducted by Sanjiv Shaad, who kept the audience engaged throughout. Publications of the Academy were also displayed during the event.
The vote of thanks was presented by Editor Punjabi, Popinder Singh Paras.