For the first time, the annual Bhairav Yatra was organised here with vibrant cultural performances, adding a new cultural dimension to the traditional festivities. The celebrations featured a colourful tableaux (Jhanki) depicting Ashta Bhairav, coupled with an engaging street play (Nukkad Natak), highlighting the significance and heritage of the yatra.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by traditional folk performances featuring Dhol and Shehnai, which resonated with the festive spirit of the occasion coinciding with Holi. The cultural programme was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in coordination with the district administration after a request was made to the Department of Culture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir to support cultural presentations during the yatra.
The vibrant cultural celebrations were made possible with the efforts of Principal Secretary to Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma and DC Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma. Artists and cultural performers received enthusiastic appreciation from devotees and the general public who had gathered to participate in the yatra.
The addition of cultural performances brought renewed vibrancy to the celebrations and highlighted the rich cultural traditions associated with the region. Among others present on the occasion were Chander Prakash, Mohd Jahangir Khan, Bikram Kumar and other officers.