Kashmir’s Cultural Renaissance: Baramulla’s “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” Festival Sets Two World Records

In a landmark celebration of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, the “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” festival was held in Baramulla, J&K, setting two unprecedented URF World Records. The event, organized by the Indian Army’s Dagger Division in collaboration with the District Administration of Baramulla, showcased traditional Kashmiri art forms and emphasized youth engagement and anti-drug message.

The Records: – Largest Ladishah Performance: 20,000 students across 162 locations in the district participated in the largest-ever Ladishah performance, a centuries-old form of Kashmiri musical storytelling that combines satire, humor, and social commentary. Ladishah is a traditional Kashmiri art form that has been used to engage and inform local communities in far-flung villages.

– Mass Calligraphy-Writing Event: 18,350 youth collectively wrote the patriotic verse “Saare Jahaan Se Achha Hindostan Humara” in traditional calligraphic way, setting a new record in the field of Kalamkari (calligraphy). Calligraphy in Kashmir, introduced in the 14^th century, is a revered art form that has long held a significant place in the region’s spiritual expression.the records were adjudicated by The Universal Records Forum (URF) – a global platform that documents and verifies world records, recognizing outstanding talents and achievers. As an ISO 9001-2015 certified organization, URF ensures authenticity and excellence in record verification. With a presence in multiple countries, URF publishes record books and provides a platform for record holders to share their stories. By verifying records across various categories, URF inspires others to strive for greatness, fostering a culture of achievement and recognition worldwide, and empowering individuals to showcase their unique abilities. URF CEO and Vice President – Suvodeep Chatterjee adjudicated the record event along with other officials and declared that this was the first time two group records had been approved in a single day.The “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” festival was a celebration of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional Kashmiri art forms, music, and literature. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, who congratulated the youth on this historic achievement and commended the efforts of the organizers. The Lieutenant Governor offered his congratulations not only to the participants but also to the district administration and the Indian Army. He praised the state government’s commitment to cultural preservation, saying, “Hopes and dreams of our youth can only flourish in an environment of Peace,” and highlighting the Indian Army’s role in preserving Kashmir’s heritage and traditions. The Lieutenant Governor noted that the Army and District Administration have worked alongside the community, contributing to empowerment, education, skilling, infrastructure development, and the preservation of heritage, while also guarding the nation’s borders and promoting peace and development in the hinterland. He also referenced the recent Operation Mahadev, where a terrorist was neutralized in Pahalgam, underscoring the Army’s efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.

A New Narrative: The success of “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” offers a glimmer of hope for a new narrative in Kashmir, one that shifts the focus from conflict to resilience and renewal. By engaging youth in cultural activities and promoting artistic expression, we can foster a sense of pride and ownership among the next generation. As Touseef Raina, a Youth Leader, aptly put it, “This is a cultural reawakening… It’s not just about setting records – it’s about reclaiming identity.”The “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” festival was a testament to the resilience and creativity of Kashmir’s youth and a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. As the records were announced, the crowd erupted in cheers, and for a moment, the Valley’s future felt wide open. “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” may have broken records, but it also restored something far more valuable – belief in a brighter future