Sopore, Oct 5 (JKNS): In a partnership with Majlisun Nisa J&K and Adabi Markaz Kamraz, Sopore observed “Youmi Meeras” on Sunday to mark the 8th death anniversary of the late Atiqa Bano, a noted educationist, activist, and heritage enthusiast.
The event saw the participation of a diverse gathering of heritage and culture advocates. MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar was the Chief Guest, while Dr. G.N. Yatoo, Director Education, attended as the Guest of Honor. Other dignitaries included Mohammad Salim Beg, Convenor INTACH J&K; MLA Wagoora, Adv. Irfan Hafeez Lone; Mohammad Amin Bhat, President Adabi Markaz; Mohammad Rafeeq Masoodi, Advisor Majlisun Nisa; JD North Kashmir Tanveer Hakim; CEOs of Baramulla,Kupwara and Bandipora; former Chairperson MC Sopore Musarat Rasool Kar; Station House Officer Sopore Ayaz Geelani; members of the Civil Society, Traders Federation, and other prominent personalities.
During the event, participants emphasized the urgent need to preserve the heritage of Meeras Mahal Sopore. A group interaction involving netizens from Sopore, Baramulla, and Bandipora highlighted Atiqa Bano’s lifelong dedication and paid rich tributes to her legacy.
Speaking on the occasion, attendees stressed the importance of collective efforts to uplift Meeras Mahal and carry forward the movement initiated by the late Atiqa Bano for preserving Kashmiri culture and heritage. They hoped that the Mahal would soon become a renowned spot for tourists and literary circles.
Assurances were given by Mohammad Rafeeq Masoodi and Mohammad Amin Bhat that the organizations would actively contribute to preserving Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. Bhat added that the efforts initiated by Atiqa Bano must be preserved, documented, and made accessible for future generations, including through online platforms.
On the occasion, the Meeras Award 2025 was presented to Mohammad Saleem Beg for his outstanding contributions to cultural heritage preservation and creative services.
The Meeras Mahal Museum of Ethnography, curated and managed by the late Atiqa Bano, houses over 7,000 artifacts showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, particularly its hinterlands. The museum contains items of daily use, historic and ethnic significance, classified into categories such as terracotta, woodwork, wicker and grassware, metal (including jewelry), stone, textiles, and manuscripts.
The Meeras Mahal Museum remains one of the only institutions in Kashmir, alongside the government-run Sri Pratap Singh Museum, providing direct access to the region’s ethnographic and cultural heritage, reflecting the vernacular past of the valley. (JKNS)
