Kashmir Convener Organises Mehndi Art Competition at AGS Bandipora on Eid Eve
Event witnesses overwhelming response; Kashmiri Pandit women join in a touching show of cultural unity
Marium Fayaz
Bandipora, June 6: A day before Eid-ul-Adha, Kashmir Convener organised a Mehndi Art Competition at Army Goodwill School Bandipora with an aim to revive the traditional way of celebrating festivals besides appreciating art as a powerful form of expression.
The event was organsed in collaboration with Army Goodwill School Bandipora and Kashmir Environment and Social Organisation (KESO).
During the Mehndi Art Competition, students applied mehndi on fellow students and staff members.
The most heart-warming moment of the event came when Kashmiri Pandit women also joined in, and students adorned their hands with beautiful mehndi designs- — a moment that powerfully echoed Kashmir’s legacy of communal harmony.
“That was the true message of the event — symbolising the spirit of communal harmony and our shared cultural roots. We have a history of celebrating each other’s festivals, and today, we witnessed a glimpse of that legacy,” said Aurmella Roohie, Managing Editor of the Kashmir Convener who participated as a special guest.
Speaking on the occasion she said the Mehndi Art Competition, organized by Kashmir Convener, is not just about beautiful designs. “It’s a way to connect with our roots. Mehndi has always been a joyful part of Eid, especially for our daughters and sisters. Today, we are here to keep that tradition alive, and celebrate art as a powerful form of expression,” she added.
To honour their talent, I am delighted to announce that a special page in tomorrow’s edition of Kashmir Convener will feature their Mehndi art. This is our way of saying: you matter, your art matters, and our culture matters,” she added.
Principal AGS Shabnam Kausar said they were amazed by the creativity shown by the students. While expressing gratitude to Kashmir Convener, said, “We are proud to host such a meaningful event that not only celebrates art but revives the traditional way of Eid celebration — collectively, joyfully, and inclusively.”
She also praised the initiative’s deeper cultural impact, saying, “Our students learned today that festivals are not just rituals, but living expressions of our heritage.”
She also praised the initiative’s deeper cultural impact, saying, “Our students learned today that festivals are not just rituals, but living expressions of our heritage.”
The programme featured students applying intricate Mehndi designs, sharing stories of Eid traditions at home, and learning about the cultural significance of Mehndi in Kashmiri traditions.
The girl students who designed mehndi art on students included Seerat Tariq, Mir Mannat, Suhana Mohammed, Iram Shafi, Aayat zameer, Iritiqa shehri, Razia, Sahreen Wani, Shaimaa lone, Hoor Pair, Sadiya Riyaz, Zaniba Tariq, Faika Javid, Hafsa Saleem, Mehreen Mahraj, Kfiya, Aleeza Zameer and Ayesha Feroz.
The boys who performed the mehndi art included Salim Farooq, Manan Iqbal, Fayiq (6th), Abu Hanzala, and Farhan.
All the participants were felicitated with appreciation certificates. The pictures of the event are publish on Page-8.