News Excerpt:

In Jammu and Kashmir, the four-day-long ‘Tawi Festival’ to showcase the Jammu region’s art, culture, and heritage began on March 1, 2024.

About the Festival:

• This four-day festival will showcase the vibrant traditions that make Jammu unique, focusing on the promotion of Jammu’s rich, diverse art forms and cultural heritage.
• This festival is an organised series of concerts, plays and cultural events(seminars, workshops, folk music performances stc.) which is being celebrated in Amar Mahal Museum and Library (Amar Mahal Palace Jammu) Complex Jammu.
• The festival was named after the Tawi river, which flows through Jammu Town.

Who is organising the festival?

• The festival was organised by Dr. Jyotsna Singh, (Director of Amar Mahal Museum and Library (AMML) And daughter of Erstwhile Politician and titular king of J&K Dr Karn Singh) along with several senior faculty members.

Significance of the festival:

• Spotlight on Local Talent and Expertise:

• At the heart of the Tawi Festival is the celebration of local talent, bringing together artists, art lovers, and experts in a confluence of creativity and knowledge. 
• By providing a stage for artistic expression and expert discussions, the festival seeks to nurture creativity and encourage meaningful conversations about art, culture, and heritage. 
• This approach underscores the festival's commitment to preserve and evolve the cultural narratives of the Jammu region.

• A Platform for Youth Engagement and Creativity:

• Understanding the crucial role of youth in cultural preservation and innovation, the Tawi Festival aims to inspire and engage the younger demographic. 
• Opportunities for creative expression, combined with interactions with experts, offer a unique platform for the youth to explore their creativity and contribute to the region's cultural legacy. 
• This focus on youth involvement ensures that the festival is not only a celebration of the past but also a launchpad for future cultural ambassadors.

About Amar Mahal Palace:

• Amar Mahal Palace, built in 1862 in a unique, French-chateau style of architecture. Located atop a hill overlooking the Tawi river, 4 rooms of the palace have been converted into art galleries and historic museums, depicting the royal history of Jammu. 
• The star of this museum is the golden throne of Jammu, weighing 120 kgs, all pure gold. The art collection here is also quite impressive, with paintings of M F Hussain and Laxman Pai on display, among other famous Indian contemporary painters. 
• Another interesting aspect is the Pahari Paintings displayed here, depicting tales from the Mahabharata and other folklore, especially those of Nal Damyanti.

About Tawi River:

• Tawi is also called as Surya Putri in ancient text, is a major tributary of Chenab River and an important river in Jammu region. 
• The Tawi rises from Kalpas Kund of Seo Dhar in the Bhaderwah in Doda district, then descends to Sudh Mahadev and finally merged with the Chenab River in Pakistan. 
• Flowing through the city of Jammu, Tawi has divided the city into two parts, old city and new city. The water of Tawi River is the main source of water for the entire city.