Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Indian Army Launches Three-Week Keran Mela to Boost Border Tourism
The Indian Army and local officials are holding a festival in Keran, a village near the Line of Control.
The festival is called Keran Mela 2026.
It runs from September 6 to September 27.
Organizers want more people to visit the area and learn about its nature and culture.
Local people can sell handicrafts, farm products and offer rooms in homestays.
Young residents can take part in sports such as cricket and volleyball.
Visitors can also watch music, dances and other performances.
The mela provides health, career and tourism information.
Officials hope tourism will create more opportunities for families living in the border region.
The Indian Army and District Administration Kupwara launched the three-week Keran Mela 2026 on September 6.
The festival in Keran will continue until September 27 and promotes border tourism, local businesses and homestays.
Events include cricket, volleyball, athletics, tug-of-war, a “Run for Fun” event and cultural performances.
Public-service counters offer medical screenings, career counselling, tourism guidance and drug de-addiction awareness.
Handicraft and organic-produce stalls aim to help local residents benefit from the growing tourism economy.
- Who
- The Indian Army, District Administration Kupwara, local residents and participating visitors and youth.
- What
- A three-week Keran Mela promoting border tourism, local businesses, cultural activities and public services.
- When
- September 6 to September 27, 2026.
- Where
- Keran village in Kupwara district, along the Kishanganga River near the Line of Control.
- Why
- To showcase Keran’s natural and cultural heritage, strengthen cooperation with local residents and create livelihood opportunities through tourism.
- Event
- Keran Mela 2026
- Duration
- September 6–27, 2026
- Location
- Keran, Kupwara district
- Organizers
- Indian Army and District Administration Kupwara
- Sports
- Cricket, volleyball, athletics, tug-of-war and “Run for Fun”
- Public services
- Medical screenings, career counselling, tourism guidance and drug de-addiction awareness
- Local products
- Handicrafts and organic agricultural produce