Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the Department of Culture, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Vishwasthali NGO, Divisional Commissioner and District Administration for their successful organisation of the fourth Basohli Utsav. In a message marking the festival’s culmination, he appreciated the people of Basohli for helping elevate the event to new heights. Basohli stands deeply rooted in tradition while earning recognition for its imagination and creativity, Sinha noted in the statement released by the administration.
The Lieutenant Governor described the Utsav as a vehicle to establish Basohli among the cultural capitals of the country. He outlined a vision for the town to develop as a vibrant centre where artists, writers and scholars from around the world could engage in meaningful exchanges. “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. 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. We have taken steps in this direction, but there is still a long way to go,” he said.
This year’s festival centred on the theme of Shakti Parampara, which Sinha commended for its focus on cultural traditions. He urged stakeholders to preserve, promote and take pride in India’s rich heritage while the nation advances toward developed status. The Lieutenant Governor’s message, distributed through official channels, emphasised the need for sustained efforts to realise Basohli’s potential as an international destination for creative dialogue.
“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. 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,” the Lieutenant Governor said. His remarks build on previous editions of the Utsav, which have progressively positioned the town as a platform for promoting local crafts and artistic traditions. Regional authorities have consistently highlighted Basohli’s role in strengthening cultural soft power as part of broader national initiatives.
Basohli paintings, a distinctive style within the Pahari miniature tradition dating back to the 17th century, gained a Geographical Indication tag in 2023 that protects their unique identity and supports market access for local creators, according to earlier administration statements. The annual festival has served as a consistent platform to showcase these works alongside other heritage crafts such as Pashmina weaving, drawing increased attention from both domestic and international audiences. A review of past Utsav editions by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages shows growing participation that aligns with Sinha’s repeated calls to brand Basohli globally.
The Lieutenant Governor’s latest message reinforces a pattern of administrative focus on cultural infrastructure that has marked events since the festival’s early iterations. Organisers have integrated literary discussions, art exhibitions and performances that reflect the town’s historical significance as a former capital with strong ties to regional artistic movements. Such initiatives contribute to wider efforts across Jammu and Kashmir to leverage heritage for community development and tourism growth, as documented in departmental reports from recent years.
