𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The annual fishing and cleaning festival of the Panzath Nag stream was joyfully observed on Sunday in Panzath village, Qazigund, drawing enthusiastic participation from dozens of locals.

This long-standing tradition, held annually on a Sunday, is organized by the village Auqaf committee, which selects a specific day for the event.

On the designated morning, residents, joined by people from nearby areas, rise early and head to the stream’s upper sections with wicker baskets in hand. They wade downstream, catching fish while also removing weeds, trash, and other blockages to ensure smooth water flow.

Locals emphasize that the day is not just about fishing—it’s also a community effort to clean and preserve the stream and springs, helping maintain water circulation year-round.

Residents liken the day’s festive atmosphere to Eid, as they come together around the iconic Panzath Nag waters.

The name “Panzath” is believed to stem from the words “paanch” and “haath” (meaning five hundred), referring to the 500 springs once said to exist in the village, though only a few are visible today. The village is also noted in several historical texts.

Thanks to the influence of social media and short videos, the event has seen growing popularity in recent years, attracting more participants and spectators. It offers a unique chance for community fishing, an activity not usually allowed on other days.

The festival gained national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the villagers’ initiative during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address in 2023.