Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued a message on the culmination of the fourth Basohli Utsav in which he urged that the town secure its place among India’s cultural capitals and develop into a global centre for art and culture. Sinha congratulated the Department of Culture the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts the Vishwasthali NGO the Divisional Commissioner and the district administration on their organisation of the event. Greater Kashmir reported that the Lieutenant Governor described the festival as seeking to establish Basohli as a vibrant centre of art and literature open to dialogue among international artists writers and scholars.
Sinha outlined a clear objective for the town’s future development in the message reported by Greater Kashmir. “Our objective is very clear that Basohli should secure its place among the cultural capitals of the country and that various genres from literature to art should take root here,” he said. “I wish to see Basohli develop as a centre of art and literature where renowned artists writers and practitioners from across the world come together and engage in dialogue,” Sinha added noting that steps have been taken but more work remains.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the choice of Shakti Parampara as the central theme for this year’s Utsav according to the Greater Kashmir account. He called on all stakeholders to preserve promote and take pride in India’s rich cultural heritage as the nation advances. Sinha further stated in the message that participants should resolve to honour artists and artisans while teaching the new generation pride in their heritage so that global references to Basohli reflect both its past and a confident present.
NABARD recommended the Geographical Indication tag for Basohli painting in 2023 making it the first independent GI-tagged product from the Jammu region according to government notifications. The painting style originated in the 17th century under local rulers including Kirpal Pal and is recognised for combining mythology with folk art in miniature form. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts has supported successive editions of the Utsav to highlight these traditions and restore the town’s historical role as a creative hub.
Previous Basohli Utsav events organised in coordination with the same institutions have featured exhibitions competitions and honours for local artisans building momentum for cultural promotion. Greater Kashmir reported that the 2026 festival concluded successfully with activities that align with the Lieutenant Governor’s vision for expanded international engagement. Sinha’s message reinforces ongoing administrative support for market linkages and preservation efforts tied to the GI-tagged paintings and related crafts.
