Army-organised Kashmiruk Fankaar Season III in Bandipora promotes Kashmiri culture, art and tradition Anchor:-The Indian Army on Friday concluded Kashmiruk Fankaar Season III in Bandipora, highlighting Kashmiri culture, art and traditional practices through a series of youth-centric cultural and sports activities held over three weeks. The grand finale was held in N.M Higher secondary school Bandipora town and witnessed participation from hundreds of local artists and youth from across North Kashmir. The initiative aims to preserve and promote Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage while providing a platform for artists and performers, particularly during the winter months when cultural activities remain limited. An artist who participated in the event said the initiative goes beyond performance opportunities. “This platform has not only provided space for artists to perform but has also helped promote and preserve Kashmiri art, culture and traditions. It has attracted a large number of young people who actively participated and showed interest in cultural activities,” she said. Major General Tushar Sharma, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Kilo Force, attended the event as the chief guest. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib and Senior Superintendent of Police Ajaz Zargar were also present, along with senior Army officers and local civil administration officials. Launched in 2023, Kashmiruk Fankaar has steadily expanded in scale and participation, emerging as a key platform for showcasing traditional and contemporary Kashmiri art forms. Army officials said the programme was designed to engage youth positively while strengthening the bond between the Army and the local population. Season III was conducted in three phases. The first phase focused on sports and physical activities to promote discipline and teamwork. The second phase centred on social awareness and responsible citizenship. The final phase featured cultural competitions including singing, dancing, painting and traditional Kangri-making, reflecting Kashmir’s artistic and cultural traditions. Sabkat, a local athlete who participated in the sports segment, said such initiatives play a key role in youth development. “These programmes motivate young people towards physical fitness and also create awareness about drug abuse, which has affected and devastated many lives,” she said. The programme concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to promoting cultural preservation, youth engagement and social awareness in North Kashmir.