Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 24

A three-day cultural marketplace in Srinagar is bringing together nearly 100 local brands, artists and small businesses, reflecting a growing intersection of entrepreneurship and cultural expression in Kashmir’s urban economy.

The event, ‘Saaz-e-Bahaar’ (Melody of Spring), is being held at Sher-e-Kashmir Park from Friday to Sunday, transforming the central public space into an open-air market featuring fashion, crafts, home décor and wellness products.

Organised by Backspace Productions and presented by Bhutani Group, the event aims to offer what organisers describe as a slower, more immersive alternative to conventional retail formats.

“This is not just about selling products, but about creating a shared cultural experience,” organisers said, adding that the initiative seeks to provide a platform for emerging local creators.

Stalls across the venue showcase Kashmiri artisanal goods, handcrafted jewellery and independent brands, alongside food vendors and home bakers. 

The programme also includes workshops, live art installations, and family-oriented activities like paintings and craft sessions.

Live performances are scheduled throughout the event, with artists including Hashim Rather contributing to a line-up designed to blend commerce with cultural engagement.

The format mirrors a broader global trend towards “experiential retail”, where consumer engagement extends beyond transactions. 

In Kashmir, such initiatives are also providing small and home-based businesses with opportunities for physical visibility in a largely fragmented market.

Set near the city’s commercial hub of Lal Chowk, the event reflects a shift in how public spaces are being used, offering a platform for community interaction in a region where gatherings have often been shaped by political and social constraints.

Organisers said the initiative also signals growing interest from companies seeking to engage with emerging consumer markets in the region through cultural and community-driven platforms.

The event runs through Sunday, with visitors able to browse stalls, attend workshops and participate in performances in a relaxed, open-air setting.