The Qila Aur Kahaniya Campaign, organized by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, took place at Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh on May 20th and 21st, 2023. This campaign aims to showcase the rich history of forts across India, promoting the theme of Cultural Pride.
The theme of Cultural Pride serves as a tribute to the vibrant culture and history of India. It honors the unsung heroes who made selfless sacrifices for the freedom and future of the nation. This theme celebrates both the tangible and intangible aspects of our cultural identity. The Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign strives to highlight the unique characteristics and historical significance of various forts in India, providing an opportunity to connect with our past and honor India's cultural legacy.
The two-day event at Kangra Fort featured a range of activities as part of the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign. On May 20th, a heritage walk, painting competition, and quiz competition were organized for school children. The heritage walk was led by Tsering Phunchok, the Superintending Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India Shimla Circle, along with officials from NZCC. Over 300 students participated in this walk.
In the evening, the audience enjoyed an enchanting rabab recital by Padmashree Ustad Gulfam Ahmad. This was followed by folk performances from different parts of the country, including Bhangra and Luddi Dance from Punjab, Jhamakada and Himachali Luddi from Himachal Pradesh, and Ghoomer from Haryana. The first day concluded with an energetic medley performance by the Sufi & Rock Band Manthan.
On the second day, May 21st, the festivities began with another heritage walk, which was joined by more than 250 students from various schools in Kangra. This was followed by a painting competition and a quiz competition. The winners of the painting competition on the second day were felicitated on the spot.
During the evening celebrations, the winners of the painting competition from the first day were felicitated. The audience enjoyed a multilingual mushaira, followed by captivating folk performances, including Bhangra, Jindua, Phag, Luddi, and Ghasiyari. Against the backdrop of the majestic Kangra Fort, the audience experienced soulful Qawwali singing by Shahid Sami Niyazi. To conclude the night, Kuldeep Sharma, the Nati king of Himachal Pradesh, sang his popular hits, captivating the youth and getting them to tap their feet to the beats.