Mega Chillai Kalan festival celebrates Kashmiri culture at Gulmarg

Gulmarg, Dec 24: A spectacular celebration of Kashmiri culture, art and heritage unfolded at the Gulmarg Club, Gulmarg, with the successful hosting of the Mega Chillaikalan Festival.
The event was a joint collaboration between the District Administration and the Indian Army, aimed at marking the commencement of Chillaikalan—the 40-day cold winter period in Kashmir—while also promoting the rich cultural traditions of the region.
The festival was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, and the Commander of the 19 Artillery Brigade, Commander Rajat Mohan Bhatt in presence of the officers from civil administration and the Indian Army.
The festival was attended by the officers of the District Administration, including CEO Gulmarg Development Authority Tariq Hussain, SDM Gulmarg, Syed Altaf Musvi alongside officers from the Indian Army and other dignitaries.
It also witnessed participation from local music artists, school children, tourists, and visitors from the local communities adding to the festive spirit and highlighting the collective effort to preserve and promote Kashmiri traditions.
A key highlight of the event was the vibrant array of stalls set up by various government departments, private vendors, and local artisans, showcasing an impressive variety of Kashmiri arts crafts, including intricately designed Pashmina shawls, handwoven carpets, wooden carvings, and other traditional crafts.
During the festival an extraordinary display of Kashmiri talent and creativity brought together local bands, school bands, rouf dancers, and local artists adding their own flavours to the stage, giving an enthralling performance and captivating the audience with traditional and modern musical compositions.
A painting competition, golf contest and a photography contest were also held, offering participants an opportunity to showcase their creative skills while highlighting the scenic beauty of Kashmir.
The event offered a platform for locals and visitors alike to connect with Kashmir’s vibrant cultural heritage and strengthened the bond between the community and the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
Later, Minga Sherpa and Commander Rajat Mohan Bhatt presented awards to the winners of various competitions held during the festival, recognizing their exceptional talents and contributions.