The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Kashmir): Hundreds of locals flocked to Panzath Nag in Anantnag district, South Kashmir, on Sunday to partake in the annual fish-catching festival, a centuries-old tradition that also involves cleaning and desilting the springs. Equipped with wicker willow baskets, participants took a day off work to engage in this cultural event.
The Panzath Nag festival, held in Qazigund, revolves around more than just fishing. It includes a community effort to clean the springs, ensuring the water body remains vibrant and clear. Locals estimate there are around 500 springs within a 1.5 km radius of Panzath village, highlighting the area’s significance.
Panzath Nag, also known as the ‘500 springs’, has gained international attention due to this unique festival. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even mentioned it in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program, bringing further recognition to the tradition.
With deep cultural and historical roots documented in texts like the ‘Nilamata Purana’ and ‘Rajatarangini’, Panzath Nag holds a special place in the region’s heritage. Umaisar Gul, a resident of Qazigund, expressed that designating Panzath as a tourist destination would honor its heritage and boost local tourism, creating job opportunities for the youth.
The spring is crucial, serving as a water source for about two dozen villages and hosting government trout-rearing units. Gul, who has participated in the festival since childhood, noted that villagers often catch boneless trout fish, which they take home for family feasts.
The festival, usually held in the third or fourth week of May, coincides with the blossoming of local apple, almond, and walnut orchards. This timing ensures the spring remains clean, providing flawless water throughout the year. The event also includes visiting graveyards to honor departed kin by showering flowers over their graves, a practice believed to bring peace to their souls.
Villagers have called for Panzath to be developed as a tourist destination, which they believe would provide sustainable livelihoods and job opportunities. Despite announcements by the J&K government under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to develop new tourist spots, including Panzath, progress has been limited to the establishment of a functional park.