SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s annual water sports festival, Jashn-e-Dal 2026, began at Dal Lake in Srinagar on Tuesday, with competitions scheduled over three days and the concluding ceremony set for October 15.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Nitish Kumar inaugurated the event by releasing tri-colour balloons in the presence of senior police officers. Decorated shikaras carrying cultural contingents added to the celebrations on the lake.
Speaking to reporters at the inaugural ceremony, Kumar said the festival had become an eagerly awaited annual event in Kashmir, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage alongside sporting activities.
Describing it as more than a celebration of Dal Lake, he said the festival represented Kashmir’s culture, traditions and heritage. Winners and participating teams will be felicitated at the concluding ceremony on October 15, he added.
Players from different areas are taking part in various competitions, including shikara races and other water sports events.
Kumar also highlighted the role of sports in the campaign against drug abuse, saying sporting activities could help young people remain physically active, mentally resilient and away from drugs.
Referring to the Lieutenant Governor’s Nasha Mukt campaign, he said people from different sections of society had participated in the initiative. He also stressed the need to address stress and anxiety among young people and encouraged greater participation in sports.
The ADGP urged participants to compete enthusiastically and uphold sportsmanship, irrespective of the outcome.
