J&K Tourism Department inaugurates Sufi Festival at SKICC in Srinagar

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sufi Festival organised by the Tourism Department was inaugurated yesterday at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. It is aimed at highlighting and propagating the teachings of Sufis and Rishis in the Kashmir Valley.

The festival organised in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Waqf Board, KVIB, Archives and Archaeology and Higher Education was inaugurated by Adviser to Lieutenant Governor R. R. Bhatnagar.

During the three-day festival, various programmes will be organised at Chashma Shahi, Pahalgam and SKICC highlighting the teachings of Sufis and Reshis.

Speaking on the occasion, Adviser Bhatnagar



said that Sufism is a way of realisation of inner self and our Sufis and Rishis have shown us the path towards that goal. He said that Sufism propagates the doctrine of love, compassion, peace, and development for mankind, irrespective of any biases and prejudices. He further said, it is necessary to understand the essentials of Sufism as this gives us an idea of what is beneficial for humankind.

The other speakers highlighted the rich cultural treasure bestowed to J&K and said that there is a need to understand the importance of valuing our heritage and making it part of day-to-day life. They also emphasised the need for sharing the legacies of Saints with the rest of the world.