Baramulla, 29 July 2025:
In a landmark cultural celebration, the youth of Baramulla have etched their names into history by setting two world records during the grand “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” festival. Organized by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the Baramulla District Administration, the event aimed at reviving and showcasing Kashmir’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The event witnessed a massive turnout of over 20,000 young men and women, who collectively performed the Largest Ladishah folk performance, a traditional Kashmiri art form combining satire and music. Simultaneously, 18,350 youth participated in Kashmiri calligraphy writing, earning Baramulla a second world record in a single day.
> “We have been rehearsing for almost a month. Now we feel all the effort was worth it. This is a great achievement and we are proud to be part of the world record,” said Zubair Mir, one of the young performers.
While the central venue was Prof. Showket Ali Indoor Stadium, the event was also conducted simultaneously at 162 locations across the district and live-streamed, allowing widespread public participation and celebration. This decentralized approach fostered inclusivity and unity across Baramulla and beyond.
Hon’ble Lt Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and lauded the efforts of the youth, Indian Army, and the District Administration. In his address, he said:
> “The Indian Army remains closely connected with the people of Kashmir and actively supports the preservation of their heritage and traditions. This event is a reflection of our joint commitment to cultural continuity, empowerment, and peace.”
The event was seamlessly executed under the leadership of Shri Minga Sherpa (DC Baramulla) with support from senior officials including Shri Brij Mohan Sharma (Principal Secretary, Culture) and Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri (Divisional Commissioner, Srinagar). Police, NGOs, and civil society also played an active role.
The records were officially certified by the Universal Records Forum (URF)—an ISO 9001:2015-certified organization that follows Guinness standards for record adjudication. This certification ensures credibility, transparency, and strict adherence to global standards.
Adding colour to the cultural festival were vibrant performances by local artistes and youth groups. Speaking on the significance of the event, Mr. Touseef Raina, a youth leader from Baramulla, said:
> “Kashmiri culture is a melting pot of diversity and faith, but today’s youth show declining interest because it is not fashionable. This initiative has rekindled pride in our cultural identity.”
One of the festival's key highlights was the resurgence of Ladishah, a form of musical storytelling. Syed Areej Safvi, Kashmir’s first female Ladishah artist, has played a pioneering role in reviving this tradition through platforms like YouTube, bridging generational and digital divides.
The success of Kashur Riwaaj 2025 stands as a milestone in Kashmir’s cultural revival—an inspiring display of unity, tradition, and patriotism by the youth of Baramulla. This record-breaking celebration not only preserved age-old Kashmiri arts but also set the tone for future cultural initiatives across the region.
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