Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 21 

Authorities in Kashmir organised a spring festival in Srinagar aimed at reconnecting young people with nature and reviving traditional sports and cultural practices, officials said on Tuesday.

The event, held at the Botanical Garden in Srinagar, was organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) and drew participation from schoolchildren across multiple districts of the Kashmir valley.

The festival featured a mix of traditional games, cultural performances and outdoor activities, with officials saying the initiative was designed to promote both physical activity and cultural awareness among youth.

Director General of DYSS, Anuradha Gupta, said the department sought to encourage youth development alongside sports promotion.

Dignitaries from the education and floriculture departments attended the event and praised the initiative for providing a platform for students to showcase their talents in an open, eco-friendly setting.

Traditional games such as sack races, tug of war and three-legged races were organised, alongside yoga and martial arts demonstrations.

The cultural programme included folk performances and regional dance forms, as well as a painting competition highlighting local heritage.

Officials said similar initiatives would be held in other parts of the region in the coming days.

Participants were also administered a pledge against drug abuse as part of an ongoing anti-drug campaign.

The festival concluded with a focus on promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices among young people.