Kupwara: The Keran Valley, located along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, is hosting the Keran Mela, a cultural and sports event organised by the Indian Army in coordination with the civil administration and local residents.
The event brings together residents, youth and visitors through sporting competitions, cultural programmes and public outreach activities. It also provides an opportunity for interaction between the security forces and the local population.
The Mela is being conducted over a period of more than three weeks, with participation from different parts of the Keran sector and Kupwara district. Sporting activities include cricket, volleyball, athletics, tug-of-war, Kho-Kho and Run for Fun, with events being organised for children and local youth.
The concluding programme will feature cultural performances, including Kashmiri music, traditional dances and theatrical presentations by local and other participating artists.The event also forms part of efforts to facilitate tourism related activity in the Keran area.
The civil administration has introduced e-permission facilities for visitors, while local businesses, including homestays, eateries and handicraft sellers, are participating in or catering to visitors attending the Mela.Alongside the sporting and cultural activities, welfare outreach programmes are also being conducted.
Medical and dental camps provide health check ups, consultations and medicines to residents of nearby and far-flung areas.
The Mela is also being held alongside ongoing development initiatives in the border area. These include works associated with Project Roshni, under which facilities such as solar street lighting and water filtration infrastructure have been established in parts of the region.
The Keran Mela brings together sports, cultural activities, tourism related initiatives and welfare outreach on a common platform.
Its organisation involves coordination between the Indian Army, the district administration and local residents, with the stated objective of providing opportunities for community participation and engagement in the border area.
