Jammu University Girls' Hostel Celebrates a Landmark Three-Day Extravaganza: Induction-cum-Orientation Program,Duggar De Lok Khedanand Rangoutsav

In a spectacular confluence of heritage, hospitality, and heartfelt celebration, the Girls' Hostel of the University of Jammu concluded a vibrant three-day event that will be etched in the memories of its residents for years to come. Spanning from February 23 to February 25, 2026, the grand occasion wove together the warmth of the Induction-cum-Orientation Program, the exhilarating energy of Duggar De Lok Khedan, a festival of Folk Games of Duggar, and the fragrant, flower-drenched joy of Holi Mahotsav, leaving behind a trail of laughter, culture, and community spirit.

Athree-day Induction-cum-Orientation Program, Folk Games of Duggar and Rangoutsavwas held at Girls’ Hostel Premises in Jammu University in which large number of boarders and staff of Girls Hostels participated. On the first day an induction programme was organized for newly admitted boarders, on the second day ‘Duggar De Lok Khedan’ the folk games of Duggar were held while on the third day, floral ‘Rangoutsav’ in connection with Holi festivities was organized.

Prof. Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning and Development, University of Jammu was the Chief Guest in the programme while Prof Parmil Kumar, HOD Statistics was the special guest during the folk games of Duggar.Prof. Sangeeta appreciated the efforts of the Girls Hostels administration, led by the Provost, the wardens and Resident Wardens, and its entire staff, in organizing such a grand event. While speaking, she said that these kinds of cultural and team activities will help the borders lead a healthy, stress-free life.

This year's induction was particularly special due to the presence of distinguished alumni of the Girls' Hostels, who were warmly invited to return to the halls that once shaped them. Their homecoming added an extraordinary emotional dimension to the proceedings. These accomplished women, now professionals and administrators, walked through familiar corridors once again, their presence serving as living proof of what the hostel nurtures not just students, but leaders. Their stories, shared candidly with the new boarders, were a treasure trove of inspiration, humor, and hard-won wisdom. The program also aimed at sharing necessary information and making new boarders acquaint about life at the hostel. This informative event was attended by a large number of female boarders and staff from the entire Girls’ hostels.

The day-2 was about revival and resilience, a rousing celebration of Jammu's rich Dogra cultural identity through Duggar De Lok Khedan, a spirited festival of traditional folk games that brought the hostel grounds alive with competitive energy, laughter, and cultural pride.In an era dominated by screens and sedentary habits, the Girls' Hostel made a bold and beautiful choice to turn the clock back and celebrate the games that once defined the playgrounds and open fields of the Duggar region. The event was a vivid reminder that long before digital entertainment, communities bonded through games.The games of yesteryears like ‘Pithu or Santolia, Fitti, Gitte, Langdi Tang, Kikli, Rassi Kudd, Tug-of-war, were the attraction of the event, and boarders and staff enjoyed the idea and the way these were organized.

Provost Girls’ Hostel, Prof. Shashi Manhas said that the innovative concept of holding the forgotten local games of the Duggar region had abroader aim, as such endeavors help in reconnecting with the past, reviving the cultural ethos, and getting away from the mechanical life with modern instruments. While speaking on the occasion,she told the boarders about the hostel life, the efforts of the University administration to provide the best facilities to the boarders, and asked them to adhere to the rules and regulations of Girls' Hostels. She urged the boarders to cooperate with the Wardens and staff of Hostels so that a family atmosphere is generated and boarders do not feel any difficulty while pursuing their careers, and urged them to learn about the values and cultures of colleagues, respect thevalues of all,and try to lead a life with good values.

On 3^rd day on the series of celebrations, faces glowed not from chemical pigments, but from the natural blush of petals and sheer, undiluted happiness. Not a single drop of water was wasted. This Rangoutsav proved with magnificent clarity that Holi's true essence lies not in water or synthetic color, but in togetherness, love, and the willingness to celebrate life.

The Rangoutsavreached its crescendo with a spectacular cultural extravaganza presented by the boarders and the showcase of folk dances and artistic performances representing the diverse cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. The stage pulsed with the rhythms of Dogri folk music, the grace of classical dance forms, performances as Radha and Krishna, and the vibrant energy of regional performances.  Dr Chinmoyee Maharana, Dr. Meenakshi Chowdhary, Dr. Bhagwati, Dr. Radhika, Dr. Sushma Devi, Dr. Neha, Dr. Rubia, Wardens and Resident wardens were instrumental in organizing the function and Mrs. Seema, Mrs Rupinder Kour, Dimple and Jyotsana along with hundreds of girl boarders also participated in the event. The proceedings of the program were conducted by Dr Chinmoyee and Dr Bhagwati, formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Meenakshi and Dr Suhsma.

Rangoutsav water-free flower Holi aligned powerfully with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and the aims of Vikshit Bharat. Duggar De Lok Khedan championed intangible cultural heritage preservation, and the induction program's inclusion of alumni reinforced the power of mentorship, memory, and institutional continuity.Together, the three days painted a portrait of an institution that does not merely house students,but shapes citizens, thoughtful, rooted, culturally aware, and environmentally responsible.