Anantnag, May 17 : Hundreds of people from multiple villages in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district participated on Sunday in the centuries-old Panzath festival, a traditional community event focused on cleaning freshwater springs that support drinking water supply and irrigation in the region.
The annual event, also known for its traditional fish-catching activity, was held at the historic Panzath spring area near Qazigund. Locals entered streams and spring channels carrying baskets and nets as part of the cleaning process.
Participants said the main purpose of the festival goes beyond fishing, as it involves removing weeds, mud, waste, and other blockages to restore natural water flow and maintain spring health.
According to residents, the tradition has been continuing for nearly 500 years and is seen as a community-driven environmental conservation practice passed down through generations.
Panzath, meaning “500 springs,” is a cluster of freshwater sources that serves surrounding villages in the Qazigund belt for both drinking water and irrigation.
People of all age groups, including elders and youth, took part in the festival, which also holds strong cultural and social importance in the region ahead of the agricultural season.
