Fankar-E-Kashmir (FEK) is set to return for its fourth season, with the cultural initiative scheduled to culminate in a grand finale on 28 September at Tagore Hall in Srinagar.
Conceptualised and driven by ShowCase Events, The Eagle and Kashmir Rabab Academy, FEK aims to create a sustainable platform for Kashmiri folk music while providing young artists from the Valley with opportunities to showcase and develop their talent.
The initiative was launched to address concerns around the declining visibility of traditional Kashmiri music among younger audiences. Over the past three seasons, FEK has worked to encourage young musicians to perform in their native language while also reinterpreting traditional melodies for contemporary audiences.
According to the organisers, the initiative has evolved into a collaborative ecosystem involving artists, government functionaries, institutions and industry stakeholders. The platform focuses not only on preserving traditional music but also on helping artists develop it in new formats and take it to wider audiences.
Angelina Lewis Fernandes, Founder, The Eagle, said, “Fankar-E-Kashmir (FEK), founded four years ago, successfully staged its inaugural event against steep odds. Since then, it has steadily grown, successfully reigniting a passion for local folk music among the youth of the region.”
She further added, “What began as a series of passionate discussions about the decline of traditional regional music has evolved into a thriving platform. The upcoming season represents a significant expansion for FEK, which aims to maximise its impact by ensuring artists receive the recognition and professional opportunities on both national and global stages.”
Nazir Ganaie, Journalist, Artist, Filmmaker and Founder, The Kashmir Rabab Academy, said, “Fankar-E-Kashmir is more than a platform for musicians. It is a space where artists, performers, government functionaries, and other stakeholders come together with a shared purpose to make the world of Kashmiri music richer, more inclusive and more connected.”
He further added, “It is a platform where traditional voices are not merely preserved but encouraged to evolve, compete and find a global audience. Our folk traditions carry extraordinary depth and identity, and platforms like this can help take these voices from Kashmir to the world.”
Season 4 Expands Beyond the Stage
Season 4 will feature live auditions, expanded knowledge sessions, mentorship and studio recording opportunities, with the organisers positioning FEK as more than a performance platform.
Nanni Singh, Chief Executive, ShowCase Events, said, “A passion that has now become a movement is what Fankar-E-Kashmir means to me. Entering Season 4 feels surreal and deeply rewarding. Fankar-E-Kashmir has proven that when you give local talent the right platform, tradition and future merge brilliantly.”
Singh added that the initiative’s vision is to “build a lasting cultural economy, empower our youth with national platforms, and ensure the world continues to feel the true, unadulterated soul of the Valley.”
Naina Kukreja, COO, ShowCase Events, said, “With Fankar-E-Kashmir, we aren’t just putting on a show; we are opening a portal to the heart of the valley, honouring its deep musical roots while giving its incredible young talent the dignity, platform, and spotlight they’ve long deserved.”
She further added, “The exponential growth from Season 1 to Season 4 motivated us to consistently build on this annual festival. Featuring live auditions, expanded knowledge sessions, mentorship, and studio recording opportunities, Fankar-E-Kashmir Season 4 promises to be far more than just a performance stage.”
The organisers say Season 4 will bring together talent from across the Valley and provide artists with opportunities for recognition and professional development. The initiative also aims to build a sustainable ecosystem around traditional music by connecting artists with audiences and wider industry stakeholders.
The Season 4 finale will take place on 28 September at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, bringing together young Kashmiri talent, artists and stakeholders to celebrate the Valley’s musical heritage while creating pathways for its future.
