Peerzada Zubair
Tithwal, 08 Nov : The Indian Army, in collaboration with the District Administration Kupwara, organised the Karnah Youth Festival 2026 at Tithwal under the theme “Jashn-e-Karnah : Rang, Riwaayat aur Riwaaj.” The festival brought together sports, cultural performances and community welfare activities, providing a platform for local talent and celebrating Karnah’s rich heritage.
The festival turned into a vibrant gathering, with a large number of locals, youth, women, children, civil society representatives, officials of the Indian Army and civil administration and visitors participating in the celebrations. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Karnah, the sporting potential of its youth and the message of unity, social harmony and national integration.
The festival which had started from 25 Oct 2026 onwards, followed a series of sporting competitions held at Lountha, Chamkot, Hajinar and Tithwal. These included Boy’s Volleyball, Boy’s T-20 Cricket, Girl’s T-10 Cricket, Girl’s Badminton, Girl’s Athletics and Inter Village Men’s Tug of War Competitions. The festival which was conducted over the period of thriteen days, encouraged participation of young people with particular emphasis on opportunities for girls in competitive sports.
The concluding ceremony of the festival which was held on 07 Nov 2026 at Shaan-e-Tithwal Cricket Ground featured, cultural presentations reflecting Pahari, Gujri, Punjabi and Kashmiri folk dance and songs which celebrated the region’s rich identity. Artists from Kashmir Valley to include Abid Ali, Shazia Bashir and the Yembarzal Dance Group also performed during the concluding ceremony.
Community welfare formed an integral part of the festival programme, wherein, a medical camp, blood donation drive, distribution of mobility equipment to the needy and assistance stalls, facilitating various government schemes to the locals, to include healthcare, livelihood, education and career opportunities were made available at one place to the people of Karnah. Local food, handicrafts and recreational activities added flavour to the community celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, General Officer Commanding, Vajr Division, who was the Chief Guest during the occasion, mentioned that, the region of Karnah is defined by its deep, rich heritage and the unyielding loyalty of the people of Karnah towards the nation. He also mentioned that, Karnah has tremendous scope for tourism and if, combined with education and women empowerment, the region has a potential to completely transform its canvas.
Jashn-e-Karnah reflected the shared efforts of the Indian Army, civil administration, schools and the local communities to encourage sporting talents, preserve cultural traditions and strengthen community bonds. The festival reinforced a positive message for the youth of Karnah to pursue education, nurture talent, embrace sports and contribute to a healthy, drug-free society.
