In a message marking the culmination of the event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the Department of Culture, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Vishwasthali NGO, the Divisional Commissioner and district administration for their efforts in elevating the Basohli Utsav to new heights. Sinha emphasised that the festival seeks to place Basohli among the cultural capitals of the country and transform it into a vibrant centre where artists, writers and scholars from around the world can engage in dialogue. The Lieutenant Governor noted that steps have been taken toward this goal but added that much work remains to fully establish the town in this role.
Basohli has long been recognised as the cradle of the Pahari school of miniature painting, which emerged in the 17th century under local rulers including Raja Kirpal Pal and features bold primary colours, large expressive eyes and embellishments such as beetle wings, according to historical accounts from the Indian Culture portal. The distinctive art form received a Geographical Indication tag in 2023 following a recommendation by NABARD, marking it as the first independent GI-tagged product from the Jammu region as documented in compilations by Rau’s IAS. This heritage underpins the annual Utsav, which aims to promote local craftsmanship and draw international attention to the area’s traditions.
This year’s festival adopted Shakti Parampara as its central theme, highlighting the tradition of divine feminine power within Indian cultural heritage. Sinha called on all stakeholders to preserve and promote the nation’s rich cultural legacy while progressing toward national development goals. He urged participants to take pride in Basohli’s contributions to art and literature as part of a broader commitment to cultural advancement.
The Lieutenant Governor issued a call for a collective resolution to honour artists and artisans while instilling heritage awareness in the younger generation. “Let us take a resolve as we conclude the Basohli Utsav that we will honour our artists and artisans, and teach the new generation to take pride in their heritage,” Sinha said in the message. “Let us resolve that when the world speaks of Basohli, it will speak not only of its glorious past, but also of a present filled with confidence,” he added.
Earlier editions of the Utsav have built momentum for Basohli’s cultural revival, with the 2025 event focusing on Ramayana traditions through exhibitions, folk dance and singing competitions plus honours for local artists and litterateurs, according to reports from Greater Kashmir. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts has played a consistent role in organising the festival alongside local authorities to showcase Basohli’s historical significance as the origin point for Pahari painting that later influenced styles in Kangra and other hill regions. Such collaborations have helped position the event as a platform for both preservation and contemporary dialogue.
Basohli paintings traditionally illustrate texts including the Rasamanjari, Gita Govinda and Ramayana, with the style spreading from its origins in the Jammu hills during the late 17th century, as outlined in analyses by art historians cited on platforms such as Artshaili. The festival’s emphasis on literature, folk arts and local sports competitions aligns with ongoing initiatives to support artisans through better market linkages and recognition for products like Pashmina that have also secured GI protection. Organisers continue to expand the event’s reach to ensure Basohli’s artistic legacy gains global visibility while sustaining community involvement.
