Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 25: Natrang Jammu presented Balwant Thakur's internationally acclaimed cultural production, Colours of Jammu & Kashmir, at Abhinav Theatre today, with the support of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Jammu, Rakesh Jewellers and Varun Beverages. The spectacular presentation celebrated the region's rich cultural heritage, vibrant artistic traditions and extraordinary diversity through colourful folk dances, evocative music and dynamic stagecraft.
Minga Sherpa, IAS, District Development Commissioner, Jammu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Appreciating Natrang's innovative efforts, he lauded the organisation for its sustained contribution to preserving and promoting Jammu & Kashmir's cultural legacy. He commended the artists for their outstanding performances and observed that such cultural initiatives play a vital role in safeguarding traditional art forms, inspiring younger generations and fostering pride in the region's shared heritage. Amongst distinguished guests who graced the occasion included Hemant Kumar Sharma, Former Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sonali Arun Gupta, JKAS, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Ela Choudhary, JKAS; and Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra Jammu.
Welcoming the jam-packed auditorium, which included a sizeable number of international scholars associated with ICCR, Natrang Director Balwant Thakur shared the creative vision behind Colours of Jammu & Kashmir. He described it as a distinctive cultural statement conceived to present Jammu & Kashmir to the world through the richness of its indigenous traditions, vibrant folk dances and extraordinary cultural diversity. The production seeks to go beyond conventional representations of the region by allowing its living cultural heritage to speak through the universal language of music, movement and visual storytelling.
Conceptualised as a cultural ambassador for Jammu & Kashmir, the production brings together the diverse dance traditions of its different regions and communities, weaving them into a unified artistic narrative. Each dance form reflects a distinct cultural identity, while their collective presentation celebrates the shared heritage, harmony and pluralistic spirit that bind the region together. The underlying idea is to showcase not merely a collection of folk dances, but a vibrant cultural mosaic that captures the soul of Jammu & Kashmir and communicates its richness to audiences across India and the world. |
