Srinagar, Oct 11 (TKM) : The soul of Kashmir is about to echo once more through the strings of the Rabab and the notes of centuries-old melodies. Fankar-E-Kashmir, the region’s much-celebrated cultural revival movement, returns for its third spectacular season on October 17, 2025, at Tagore Hall, Srinagar—and this time, it’s bolder, louder, and more heartfelt than ever.
What began as an experimental cultural gathering in 2023 has now matured into a movement—a mission to preserve, promote, and pass on the precious musical traditions of the Valley. And this year, it’s not just about showcasing talent—it’s about legacy. Behind this soulful celebration are three powerhouse forces including Kashmir Rabab Academy, ShowCase Events, The Eagle
Together, they’ve built Fankar-E-Kashmir into a national platform where the young meet the wise, tradition meets innovation, and local meets global.
“Folk music is very close to my heart, and I want to be able to do whatever I can to help keep it alive,” says Nanni Singh, CEO of ShowCase Events and a relentless torchbearer for India’s folk arts.
“Being a Kashmiri and a musician, I feel deeply for our dying art. Fankar-E-Kashmir is a way for me to give back,” shares Nazir Ganaie, senior journalist and cultural activist.
“My curiosity for Kashmiri talent brought me in—and now, I’m all in,” adds Angelina Fernandes, founder of The Eagle and a well-known name in the global music space.
What’s New in Season 3?
Kashmir! Fankar-E-Kashmir Season 3 is bringing with it a high-octane mix of learning, competition, and pure inspiration:
Live Talent Hunt Contest – Watch Kashmir’s finest youth compete in front of an eminent live jury of music legends. Talk Sessions – Inspiring conversations with music industry stalwarts.
Awards & Grand Finale – Winners walk away with glory and future performance opportunities. Cultural Renaissance – A celebration of Kashmir’s intangible heritage through music, mentorship, and magic. And this year, Fankar will proudly felicitate four living legends of Kashmiri music—Begum Jaan, Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Rashid Jahangir, and Ustaad Samadju Sofi—a powerful reminder of the golden voices that shaped the Valley’s musical identity.
Fankar-E-Kashmir is more than a festival—it’s a living, breathing cultural economy initiative. It’s about sustainable careers for creators. It’s about giving Kashmiri youth a national platform. And most of all, it’s about ensuring that the Rabab never falls silent again.
With each edition, the festival grows closer to its vision: A self-sustaining ecosystem for folk and Sufiana music in Kashmir. A creative space where tradition and youth can collaborate, learn, and evolve. A movement that connects Kashmir’s cultural heartbeat with the rest of the world.
“If you’re in Srinagar—or even if you’re not—October 17th is your date with Kashmir’s musical soul. Come to Tagore Hall, witness raw talent, seasoned masters, and a community in revival. Feel the music, feel the mission. Because Fankar-E-Kashmir isn’t just an event.It’s a song of the soil. And it’s time the world heard it,” the organizers informed.
Kashmir Observer is the official Print Media Partner, with PRESSPACT magazine (Health & Culture) as the Online Media Partner. Pied Piper PR & Advertising leads Advertising, while VYX serves as the Event Partner. Golden Tulip joins as the Hospitality Partner, and Kolkata-based KADAM as the Gifting Partner. The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) is the Knowledge Partner and Tagore Hall as its Venue Partner. The event is proudly supported by StarAgri, LIC, and Voltas Beko.(TKM)
