Panzath Nag, Kashmir: Annual Spring Cleaning Festival

The largest spring in South Kashmir, known as Panzath Nag, is situated in Qazigund, Anantnag. The spring, also called Naagbal, is the origin of numerous lesser springs. Most smaller springs have dried up due to pollution and land development. The locals take a day off from work during the festival to participate in a cleaning and fishing competition. The spring is restricted to the public for the rest of the year, but it is theirs on the festival day. The locals believe the festival has been a part of their tradition since immemorial. The celebration aids with spring weeding and keeps the water flowing throughout the rest of the year. In the late summer, spring experiences difficulties with weeds, silt, and decreasing water levels. The community works together to repair the spring for the following year by fishing and weeding together.