The 8-day long Islamic Calligraphy exhibition organized jointly by Department of Tourism Kashmir and J&K Academy of Culture, Art and Languages and INTACH's J&K Chapter concluded today at Information Center near Jamia Masjid in the old city of Srinagar in which hundreds of the artists, students and locals participated.On the concluding ceremony today, the artists were given awards and the students who attended the Khush Khaat exhibition cum workshop were also given certificates as an appreciation for their efforts.The event known as Khush Khat- a celebration of Islamic Calligraphy in Kashmir – was inaugurated on July 17 attracted around 4000 visitors who appreciated and took keen interest in the artistic works.The students from different schools of the downtown Srinagar, artists from Cultural Academy and other artists had put on display their calligraphic works in Arabic, Persian and Kashmiri language.Some of the students of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Srinagar had put the calligraphic works through art and design beautifully on canvas painting.Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah while expressing happiness over the successful conclusion of the exhibition said it was only the beginning of promotion of the old city as a heritage City.
He said the Department would organize more such events in the future to promote the rich heritage potential of the old City.“The huge response to this event reflects the commitment and love of the people towards the art. It was a good beginning which means we have to do more work to promote the old City’s rich culture and heritage potential,” he added.The Director said that the Department aims to organize the photography workshop in which the selected photographs of the old city depicting its heritage, culture, art, craft, and people would be highlighted. Another event projecting artifacts and coins will also be held at this center,” said Shah at the concluding ceremony.He said the Department spent Rs 3.93 crore out of the total Rs 4.29 crore Union Government’s project to beautify the Jamia Masjid premises including developing its market and improving light system and the construction of Information Center, which is a component of the beautification project, costing Rs 1.02 crore.The information center would help visitors get all the information of the old city under one roof, he said.Secretary J&K Academy of Culture, Art and Languages Dr. Aziz Hajini and INTACH's convener Saleem Beg also spoke on the occasion.