Panzath Nag Festival: Kashmir’s unique and little known community-led water preservation tradition

27 May 2024

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*Volunteers from villages around Panzath Nag engaged in cleaning the spring on Sunday (ZT Photo)*

Kulgam: Nestled in the picturesque Pirpanjal mountains of Kulgam district in Kashmir lies Panzath Nag, a natural spring rumored to be fed by 500 mythical springs. Every year in the month of May, this enchanting spot comes alive with a unique festival – the Panzath Nag festival. But this isn’t any ordinary festival of community celebration; it is a vibrant voluntry mobilisation that weaves together tradition, environmental responsibility, and community spirit.

A celebration steeped in tradition

While the exact origin remains shrouded in the mists of time, the Panzath Nag festival is believed to be a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations. Villagers hold it dear as a practice inherited from their ancestors. The festival transcends mere fishing; it’s a community event that ignites a sense of ownership and responsibility for the lifeblood of their village – the Panzath Nag spring.

A sustainable spring cleaning ritual

The festivities go beyond just catching fish. It all begins with a collective effort to clean the spring. Villagers, young and old, wade into the cool waters, removing weeds and silt that accumulate over time. This ensures a healthy flow of water throughout the year, benefiting not just the fish population but also irrigating orchards and providing clean drinking water.

A festival of fun and sustainability

The cleaned spring then becomes the stage for the much-anticipated fishing. The villagers, armed with traditional wicker baskets, wade into the water, using sustainable fishing practices to catch excess fish. This helps maintain a healthy balance within the spring’s ecosystem. The bounty from the spring is then shared amongst families and friends, turning the festival into a joyous community feast.

A model for replication

Environmentalists believe that the Panzath Nag festival offers a compelling model for replicating community-driven water conservation efforts across Kashmir.

“Its success lies in its unique blend of tradition, environmental awareness, and a spirit of collective action. By promoting similar celebrations in other villages, providing logistical support, and promoting a culture of recognition for such efforts, authorities can leverage this model to ensure the long-term health of Kashmir’s precious water bodies”, Farooq Ahmed, one of the organisers, told Ziraat Times.

A window into Kashmir’s rich heritage

The Panzath Nag festival is more than just a preservation endeavor; it’s a window into Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. It showcases the deep connection between the communities and their natural environment, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sustainable balance.

“As we strive to conserve our water resources, the Panzath Nag festival can serve as a model of inspiration for other such areas in Kashmir which have such precious water bodies”, advocates Syed Samreen, an environmentalist who is looking at ways of replicating the Panzath Nag voluntary model.