Danishwar Hameed
Qazigund, May 18: In a vibrant display of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, residents of Panzath village in the Qazigund area of South Kashmir gathered today for their annual fishing festival, a tradition that doubles as a massive spring-cleaning event.
Armed with traditional baskets and nets, hundreds of villagers descended on Panzath Nag—a sprawling freshwater spring nestled at the foothills of the Pir Panjal range—to remove silt, weeds, and debris from the waterbody. The event, rooted in generations of practice, is held every May ahead of the paddy cultivation season and is increasingly attracting visitors from neighboring villages.
“Panzath means ‘five hundred’, symbolizing the network of around 500 springs in and around the village,” explained a local resident. “These springs are crucial for drinking and irrigation, sustaining hundreds of families across Qazigund.”
The Panzath Nag spring, covering nearly 500 meters, plays a vital ecological and economic role in the region. The annual event, however, is not just about environmental care—it’s a communal celebration. Villagers, young and old, participate with enthusiasm, catching fish and preparing feasts for friends and families.
“I’ve been part of this since childhood,” said one elderly resident. “People even come from 50 kilometers away to witness or join the celebration. It’s not just about cleaning the spring—it’s about community, tradition, and gratitude.”
With the event gaining attention, locals are urging authorities to step in and help preserve the spring for future generations. “If developed as a tourist destination, Panzath Nag could create employment opportunities and promote eco-tourism,” said another resident.
