The University of Kashmir (KU) on Thursday inaugurated its annual youth festival Sonzal 2025 at the Main Campus.

The week-long festival is being organised by the varsity’s Division of Youth Affairs under the aegis of Department of Students Welfare (DSW).
The intra-university festival scheduled from November 20–27, brings students from various affiliated colleges and departments of the University to participate in a series of literary, cultural and fine-arts competitions. It features events including quiz, debate, elocution, collage-making, poster-making, painting, rangoli competition, cartoon-making, clay-modelling, Indian and Western vocals and other activities to be held over the next seven days.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said “Sonzal represents the creative and intellectual aspirations of our students. The University is committed to strengthening platforms that enable young people to express themselves, learn from one another and take pride in their abilities.”
She added that the festival encourages participation, teamwork and confidence-building among students from diverse academic backgrounds, stating "such events supplement academic learning and help students develop broader life skills."
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada; Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, and Controller of Examinations KU, Prof Majid Zaman Baba, in their remarks, said that Sonzal provides a space for students to engage with new ideas and explore their talents beyond the classroom.
They said that the University continues to expand student-centric platforms and that Sonzal remains one of its most anticipated annual events.
Earlier, Dean DSW KU, Prof. Pervez Ahmed, welcomed the participants and highlighted the aims and objectives of the festival.
The inaugural ceremony began with a soul-stirring musical performances by artists from 'Sufi Brothers' band of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and University's 'Pashmina Band.'
The session was attended by, deans of various schools, heads of departments, officers of the University administration, directors, faculty members, scholars and hundreds of students from the campus as well as from various affiliated colleges of the University.
The first day of the festival featured a painting competition where students showcased their creativity and artistic expression on canvas.
The event proceedings were conducted by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer DSW KU and organising secretary of the event. The festival is sponsored by J&K Bank, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, and Cemtac Cements.