Dr Vishal Sharma
Basohli, once known as ‘Vishwasthali’, is a historic tehsil of Kathua district, situated on the banks of the sacred river ‘Ravi’, with a legacy that cannot be undermined.
In the ancient Rigveda, this very river is named as ‘Iravati’, one of the seven mighty rivers of the Sapta-Sindhu, the cradle of India’s earliest civilization. Nestled amidst the Shivalik ranges, Basohli carries the pride of ancient glory along with modern achievements, patiently waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
Bharat has always been celebrated as a land of diversity:diversity in languages, customs, faiths, food, clothing, and geography. Yet, what binds this vast civilization together is its deeply rooted culture and traditions. Much like the pearls in a garland, each region adds its unique magic, but when threaded together by culture, they form the glowing identity that the world admires as Bharat.Among these pearls lies a lesser-known yet profoundly significant gemBasohli, once called ‘Vishwasthali’. This historic region has carved out a distinct place in the cultural and historical consciousness of North India. It’s very name, Vishwasthali, reflects its glorious past as a flourishing center of trade and culture. Renowned for its fine Pashmina industry, the world-famous Basohli chitrakala (miniature paintings), classical music, ayurveda, home of Sanskrit scholars, astrology, and the distinctive performance of Ram Leela, Basohli has, through the ages, excelled in every field of art, knowledge, and tradition.
The Cultural Face of India
Strategically located at the convergence of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, Basohli has long served as a cultural bridge. It is not merely a geographical entity but a meeting point of traditions, ideas, and artistic expressions. While larger cities often draw attention for their contributions, Basohli has worked silently yet powerfully in shaping the shared heritage of North India. As the saying goes, “The face is the ultimate impression.” Punjab, Himachal, and Jammu & Kashmir collectively form the cultural face of India in the north, and Basohli has been tirelessly polishing this face silently, consistently, and with unwavering devotion for centuries.
Basohli is most renowned for being the birthplace of the Pahari school of miniature paintings, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. These paintings, celebrated for their bold colors, emotive expressions, and spiritual depth, represent one of India’s finest artistic legacies. Basohli paintings was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023. Through its art, Basohli projected its cultural essence far beyond its borders, earning admiration across the world. The fame of these paintings is such that some of them find place of pride in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; British Museum, London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; and National Museum, New Delhi.
But the town’s cultural richness does not end there. Basohli is equally famous for its wonderful Pashmina shawls, crafted with care and finesse. These shawls, known for their softness, warmth, and intricate designs, have carried the name of Basohli across continents. They reflect the craftsmanship of its artisans who, like the painters of yore, poured their soul into creating timeless masterpieces.
Equally significant is Basohli’s world-famous centuries old Ramlila, a living tradition that brings together faith, drama, and community spirit. Celebrated during Navratri, this traditional event features local artists performing in a unique open-air setting and is considered one of the oldest and most authentic Ramlilas in the country, drawing large crowds and preserving cultural heritage of the country. In 2017, popular news channel ABP News had conducted a nationwide contest among various Ramlilas of India and the Basohli Ramlila was declared as best in the country by ABP News.
Furthermore, Basohli was a region with many temples and was sometimes referred to as “Lagu Kashi” due to the density of temples along the river, where people performed religious rituals.Through this, Basohli continues to embody the essence of Vishwasthali- a land where faith is performed, celebrated, and kept alive.
Celebration of Basohli Utsav
As the saying goes, “The face is the index of the mind.” For a nation to remain vibrant and joyful, its cultural face must shine with life and expression. Recognizing the deep cultural significance of Basohli, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the Basohli Utsav in 2023, giving Basohli its rightful place on the cultural map of India. The third edition of Basohli Utsav is scheduled from September 28 to October 2, 2025, with a special focus on the traditions of the Ramayana. This year’s festival will showcase Ramayana-themed exhibitions and booklets, folk art displays, national-level competitions in folk dance and singing, local sports events, the Basohli Marathon and Run for Basohli, along with a wide range of art and cultural activities.Daily ‘Ravi Aarti’ on the banks of the Atal Setu, religious performance by cultural teams from Goa, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Chhattisgarh will further enrich the celebration. Organized jointly by the Divisional Administration, Department of Culture, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, and Vishwasthali, a native organization dedicated to the welfare and development of Basohli, this mega festival will also honour the invaluable contributions of local folk artists, artisans, and litterateurs. Basohli Utsav is thus not just a festival but a living tribute to the timeless spirit of Basohli, where heritage, faith, and creativity continue to illuminate the cultural face of Bharat.With the celebration of Basohli Utsav, its glory is once again brought into the national spotlight, reminding us that even the smallest places can carry the grandest legacies. Basohli, the Vishwasthali of ancient times, continues to enrich the soul of Bharat with its art, traditions, and timeless devotion.
With deep pride and affection, I extend a heartfelt invitation to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and beyond to come to my beloved motherland, Basohli. Be a part of Basohli Utsav 2025 and together let us celebrate the timeless spirit of our living heritage.This festival is not only an occasion to witness art, culture, and traditions but also an opportunity to honor the timeless legacy of Basohli and its people. Your benign presence will add energy and meaning to the celebrations, as together we keep alive the threads of our culture for future generations.Let us come together from September 28 to October 2, 2025, on the banks of the sacred Ravi, to rejoice in the colours of faith, art, music, and tradition. Basohli awaits you with open arms.
(The author is a Fulbright Fellow USA and Head of Electronics & IT, GCW Udhampur)
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