KULGAM: The three-day Veshow Festival 2026 concluded today at Government Degree College, Kulgam amid liveliness with a series of literary, cultural and trade exhibition activities celebrating the rich heritage, art, culture, literature and trade.
The concluding day’s literary programme featured a ‘Meet the Author’ session with noted author Satish Vimal, followed by a literary discussion titled “Kashmiri Literature – Kal, Aaj Aur Kal” (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow), providing a platform for deliberations on the evolution, present landscape and future prospects of Kashmiri literature.
The programme also featured the Kul-Hind Mushaira (All India Mushaira), bringing together noted poets from across the country for a celebration of literary expression and poetry.
Meanwhile, the four dedicated pavilions continued their activities with keynote addresses, panel discussions, closing talks and interactive sessions focusing on entrepreneurship and startups, handicrafts and rural enterprise, agri-business and horticulture, besides youth, skill and career development.
The sessions covered diverse themes, including Jammu and Kashmir’s potential as a business and enterprise hub, the role of handicrafts in livelihood generation, livestock and its contribution to the rural economy, opportunities for youth in a changing world, the role of Geographical Indication (GI) in promoting handicrafts and opportunities in the agri-economy.The sessions witnessed participation of experts, entrepreneurs, professionals, students and aspiring youth, providing them opportunities to exchange ideas and gain insights into emerging avenues.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shahzad Alam, ADC, DPO, ACR, SDM, ACD, DIO, AD Employment also attended various sessions of the trade and literary sessions.
The Trade Fair and exhibition areas continued to attract visitors, with stalls showcasing local products, traditional handicrafts, Kashmiri cuisine, agricultural produce, art and craft, besides products and services from different sectors for sale. The stalls provided a common platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs, traders, institutions and service providers to display their products, interact with visitors and promote their work.
The Antique Village remained another attraction, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Kashmiri household articles, artefacts and objects reflecting the region’s cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle. The children’s play area also provided recreational opportunities for young visitors.
The festival grounds witnessed enthusiastic public participation, with visitors exploring the stalls and exhibitions, enjoying different cuisines, shopping and engaging with exhibitors. The off-stage cultural showcase by school students also remained an attraction, featuring Kashmiri folk songs, traditional dances, cultural performances and drama, providing a platform for young talent to display their artistic abilities.
During the valedictory session, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam and other district officers felicitated the literary figures and expert speakers and appreciated the efforts of all those associated with the successful organisation of the festival. Certificates of Appreciation and participation were presented to participants and contributors in recognition of their involvement and contribution to the three-day event.
The DC acknowledged the participation of artists, writers, poets, artisans, entrepreneurs, students, various departments and the general public, whose collective involvement made the annual Veshow Festival, a vibrant celebration of the district’s cultural and literary heritage.
Organised under the theme ‘Celebrating Our Heritage’, the Veshow Festival 2026 provided a common platform for promoting local talent, traditional crafts, literary expression, entrepreneurship and cultural traditions while encouraging greater public engagement.
The valedictory session was attended by ADC, DPO, ACR, ACD, SDM, DIO, Tehsildar, Kulgam, AD Employment, AD FCS&CA and other district officers, besides prominent artists, writers, poets, entrepreneurs, students and members of the general public.
