Kupwara, Nov 9: Singers, dancers, painters and other artists from across Kashmir are participating in Kashmir Got Talent, being organised in Kupwara for the first time to provide a platform to emerging talent, particularly from the remote border district.

Auditions for the competition began at Government Degree College, Kupwara, on November 8, with performers aspiring to qualify for the grand finale scheduled for November 11.
The event is being organised jointly by the Indian Army, Kupwara district administration and production company Taha Film International. More than 350 participants had registered by November 4, while people across all age groups have been invited to showcase their abilities.
Besides singing and dancing, the competition features painting, drawing, calligraphy and traditional Kashmiri folk performances.
The auditions witnessed enthusiastic participation from children and young performers, many of whom described the event as a significant opportunity to showcase their talent without having to travel outside the district.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Abhishek Sharma said the district had considerable artistic talent but limited platforms to nurture and promote aspiring performers. He said the initiative would particularly benefit youngsters who could not afford to travel to bigger cities in search of opportunities.
Singer Kumar Sanu and actor-producer Harman Baweja are among the prominent guests expected to attend the event, along with choreographers and other artists.
The initiative is part of a series of cultural activities organised in Kupwara to encourage youth participation and promote local artistic talent. Earlier, the Army organised an inter-college skit competition in September and the cultural festival Jashn-e-Kupwara in June.
Unlike the nationally televised India's Got Talent, Kashmir Got Talent is a locally organised competition aimed at providing a platform to artists from the region.