In a remarkable celebration of culture and community spirit, the District Administration Kupwara in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs today organized Mega Karnah Festival at tribal village Amrohee near Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal block, under nationwide ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’.

The vibrant festival was marked by great fervour and enthusiasm, drawing large crowds and offering a rich display of the region’s unique tribal and cultural heritage. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Karnah Valley, the event witnessed the participation of people from all walks of life, celebrating unity, diversity, and tradition.

The day-long festival featured an impressive array of cultural programmes, including folk music, traditional dance performances, art displays, and local cuisine stalls. Local and regional artists enthralled the audience with their talent, while visitors experienced the authentic flavours and colours of Karnah’s cultural identity.

The festival saw enthusiastic participation of people from different walks of life, including MLA Karnah, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal; Union Secretary Tribal Affairs, Vibhu Nayar; Secretary Tribal Affairs Department J&K, Prasanna Ramaswamy G; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Brigade Commander 104 Brigade Tangdar, S K Pradhan; ASP Kupwara and ACR Kupwara. Senior officers from civil administration, officials civil society members and people in large number also attended the day long Karnah Festival.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Karnah highlighted the need for the administration to work for overall development of the Karnah sub division being a far flung and backward area. While referring to the drug abuse, he sought coordination from all stakeholders to join together in eradication of the drug menace from the district which has pushed the youth towards the wall.

Union Secretary, Tribal Affairs, while addressing the local tribal community in their language during the Karnah Festival 2025 in Village Amrohi, emphasized the Government’s commitment to tribal development under the Dharti Aaba – Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

He informed that the Dharti Aaba scheme is being implemented in over 60,000 villages, including Village Amrohi, and urged the villagers to participate actively in prioritizing their top five development needs. He assured that the government machinery would work shoulder to shoulder at their doorstep to meet these needs.

Vibhu Nayar highlighted that the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is to make every tribal village a role model of development, equipped with schools, hospitals, and essential amenities. He appreciated the villagers’ historical support to the Army and their contribution to curbing the menace of drugs, emphasizing that security and development go hand in hand.

He expressed confidence that with community cooperation, the village will undergo transformational growth, becoming an example for other tribal communities.

Secretary Tribal Affairs J&K also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the need for strengthening the efforts towards eradication of drug peddling and drug abuse. He provided awareness about the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ and urged upon the people to take benefit under the Abhiyan which is meant for their upliftment and welfare.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse welcomed the dignitaries and participants for reaching to the far flung village to participant in the mega awareness programme. He appreciated the resilience and cultural commitment of the people of Karnah and highlighted the importance of such festivals in strengthening communal harmony, boosting tourism, and empowering tribal communities under the ambit of national campaigns.

During the programme, various line departments had set up awareness stalls offering information on individual beneficiary-oriented schemes, facilitating on-spot enrolment and extending services to the local populace. This outreach initiative proved highly beneficial for residents, especially in such remote border areas.

As part of the event, sanction letters and certificates were distributed among beneficiaries under various government schemes, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to grassroots development and tribal welfare.

The Karnah Festival not only celebrated the heritage and traditions of the region but also served as a platform for local talent, artisans, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work. It underlined the district administration’s vision of inclusive development, cultural preservation, and socio-economic upliftment of border and tribal communities.