Kacha Launch Fest 2025: A Day of Stories, Songs, and Environmental Stewardship in Kinnaur

On July 27, 2025, the Silk Route Banquet Hall in Kinnaur burst into life as a wave of excitement swept through the crowd gathered for the spectacular launch of Kacha magazine. From 10 a.m., the hall buzzed with anticipation and energy, drawing in students, authors, artists, and community elders for a day that was far more than just a launch event; it was a full-fledged celebration of Kinnaur’s soul. With vibrant conversations, creative sparks, and a palpable sense of cultural pride in the air, the day became a powerful tribute to the region’s rich heritage, ecological spirit, and strong community bonds.

DC Kinnaur Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma and SP Abhishek Sekar stood out for their approachable presence, engaging openly with attendees. Their warmth fostered a welcoming atmosphere, while diverse interactions sparked creativity and a deeper understanding of Kinnaur’s rich heritage and community life.

The program began with a warm welcome and quickly drew everyone into the heart of the event, a community photo exhibition titled “Colours of Water.” Featuring over 20 seasoned and emerging photographers and more than 50 evocative images, the exhibition brought attention to the urgent issues surrounding water in the Himalayas. A lively discussion followed, sparking reflection and dialogue on one of the region’s most pressing environmental concerns.

During the discussion, Yowan Negi, a prominent member of No Means No, a people’s campaign to save the Sutlej River from the unchecked expansion of bumper-to-bumper hydropower projects, shared insights and concerns on behalf of the campaign, grounding the conversation in local resistance and advocacy.

This momentum carried into the much-anticipated reveal of Kacha Magazine. As anticipation grew, attendees settled in for an engaging afternoon. The reveal was followed by an engaging opportunity to interact with the featured authors of Kacha. These informal sessions brought together aspiring writers, readers, and mentors in a space that encouraged creativity, conversation, and shared learning, setting a warm and collaborative tone for the rest of the day.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was the soulful performance of Kinnauri folk songs by seasoned artists, enthusiastic youngsters, and respected community elders. The hall came alive with the sounds of nostalgia, pride, and cultural celebration. A big shoutout to our incredible folk ladies, Inder Devi, Nima Zangmo, Kiran Kumari, and Rama Negi, for their powerful voices and presence. Hats off to Harish Singhe and the dynamic brother duo Deepu and Jeetu, who brought so much warmth and energy. And a special mention to Harshil from Delhi University, whose youthful voice won everyone over.

Dr. Preeti Saryan’s talk, "Mountains and Us," invited us to pause and reflect on the delicate relationship between mountain communities and their environment. It was thought-provoking and deeply grounding.

After lunch, the energy was back with a bang. A fun and fast-paced quiz on natural disasters got the entire audience buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, the interns from Saryan Vigyan Foundation stole the show with their fascinating projects on ethnobotany, ecological restoration, and insect biodiversity. Their fresh perspectives sparked curiosity and inspired many young minds in the crowd.

A true highlight of the afternoon was Tanisha Negi’s immersive audiovisual art experience on Himalayan biodiversity and ecology. Blending local traditions with experimental modern art, her work struck a chord with the audience. Even better, she invited everyone to share feedback, opening up space for meaningful conversations with the artist herself.

Beyond the main stage, there was a flurry of off-stage activities that kept participants of all ages engaged. The “Colours of Water” photo exhibition continued to spark reflection and conversation, while the drawing competition on the birds of Kinnaur brought a joyful burst of creativity from school students. Organised in collaboration with Aum, the session grew out of a year of shared engagement with children through nature walks, birding, and story telling sessions focused on Kinnaur’s rich avian life.

The Delhi Kinnaur Student Association (DKSA) set up an incredibly helpful student help desk, offering guidance and resources on applying to colleges and preparing for higher education. A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to the entire DKSA team for their thoughtful engagement.

Participants at the event were in for a treat as Shashwat, Anjali, and Poonam curated an exciting interactive stall on the taxonomy and insects of Kinnaur, featuring leaves, insect specimens, and a variety of fascinating materials to explore. It was hands-on, informative, and a favourite among students and adults alike. 

As the festival concluded, attendees left with new friendships, fresh insights, and a renewed commitment to the region’s future. Zed.Tells extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the Kacha Launch Fest possible. Kinaur’s story, as told through its people, is only just beginning.