Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 11: The University of Jammu is organizing “Jammu Vishwavidyalaya: Sahitya– Sanskriti Samagam,” a two-day literary and cultural festival on March 13 and 14, 2026, at the University campus.
The announcement in this regard was made during a curtain raiser press conference addressed by Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai, in the presence of Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Prof Sadaf Shah, Coordinator of the event; Prof Seema Rohmetra and Dr Ginny Dogra, Director DIQA, along with other senior officials of the University.
Addressing the media, Prof Umesh Rai said that the programme has been conceived to celebrate the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Jammu region and to present it on a wider stage. He observed that Jammu region possesses immense cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity and through this initiative, the University seeks to bring together writers, artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners so that the many voices and traditions of the region can be presented collectively.
He added that in many ways the Jammu region represents a living example of unity within diversity, and the festival seeks to celebrate and present that spirit.
The Vice-Chancellor further informed that the Samagam will bring together writers, artists, and scholars representing several languages spoken across the Jammu region, including Dogri, Punjabi, Gojri, Pahari, Siraji, Bhaderwahi, Pogli, Padri, Hindi, and Urdu. Alongside literary interactions and discussions, the event will also present traditional music, dance, local cuisine, and cultural expressions that reflect the everyday life and traditions of the region, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Neelu Rohmetra said that the programme has been thoughtfully designed to bring together prominent cultural personalities, writers, and artists from the region on one platform. She noted that several distinguished personalities, including Padma Shri awardees, have been invited to participate and interact with the audience through discussions, performances, and literary engagements.
Prof Sadaf Shah informed that 23 cultural troupes comprising nearly 250 artists will participate in the event and present traditional performances such as Punjabi Gatka, Bhangra, Kud Dance, Kumnia, and other folk forms from across the region. She further shared that the programme will include around 54 exhibition stalls displaying traditional crafts such as pottery, handloom, calico printing, artifacts, and Basohli painting, along with 20 book stalls showcasing the literary heritage of the region. A food court with nearly 30 stalls will present traditional cuisines from different parts of Jammu, providing visitors a glimpse into the region’s culinary traditions.
Elaborating on the programme schedule, Dr Ginny Dogra informed that the event will include a series of panel discussions, literary interactions, cultural performances, a multilingual Mushaira, and various student competitions involving schools, colleges, and university students. She added that eminent scholars, writers, artists, and Padma Shri awardees from the region will participate in the discussions and cultural presentations.
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