Peerzada Sayeed
Keran, Sept 27 (JKNS): The three week long Keran Mela 2026 concluded today at Keran with a grand closing ceremony marking the successful culmination of a vibrant initiative aimed at promoting tourism, youth engagement, sports and community participation in the Keran Bowl.
The Mela was jointly organised by the Indian Army, District Administration Kupwara, Tourism Department and other civil departments with active participation from the local community and youth.
During the three-week celebration, a wide range of sporting and cultural activities were conducted, including Cricket, Volleyball, 10-kilometre Run for Fun, Kho-Kho, Athletics, Tug of War and other cultural activities.
The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth, women, students and residents from across the Keran Bowl and adjoining areas.
The concluding ceremony was graced by the General Officer Commanding, Vajr Division as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest felicitated the winning and runner-up teams and participants for their sporting spirit, discipline and enthusiastic participation throughout the Mela.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest appreciated the collective efforts of the Indian Army, District Administration, Tourism Department, civil departments, organisers, volunteers and the people of Keran in making Keran Mela 2026 a memorable three-week celebration.
He observed that Keran Mela 2026 has established a unique platform for bringing together sports, tourism, youth engagement and community participation and expressed the hope that the initiative would be remembered as a significant milestone in the development and promotion of Keran.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, IAS also addressed the gathering and appreciated the joint efforts of the Indian Army and the District Administration in successfully organising Keran Mela 2026.
He highlighted that the collaboration between the Indian Army and the District Administration has not only contributed towards promoting tourism in Keran but has also created meaningful opportunities for the local youth to participate in sports and showcase their talent.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the sporting activities conducted during the Mela provided the youth of Keran with an important platform to compete, develop confidence and demonstrate their abilities.
He appreciated the participation of young athletes and teams from across the valley and noted that Keran Mela 2026 has drawn considerable attention towards Keran from different parts of Kashmir.
The three-week celebration also provided an opportunity for local youth to interact, compete and build a stronger sense of community through sports.
The participation of women in athletics and other activities added a significant dimension to the Mela, reflecting the growing involvement of women and young girls in sporting activities.
The successful conclusion of Keran Mela 2026 reflects the spirit of cooperation between the Indian Army, civil administration and local community, while highlighting Keran as a destination where tourism, youth development, sports and community participation can come together.
The event concluded with the felicitation of winners, runners-up, participants, organisers and contributors, followed by expressions of gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed towards making Keran Mela 2026 a successful and memorable three-week celebration. (JKNS)
