Basohli is ancient even by its name. Within its fort lie numerous hidden treasures—treasures that contain history as well as the rich culture that has emerged from it. Here, art and culture have flourished in such a tranquil environment where time seems to stand still. Amidst the hills covered in greenery all around, the history that lies hidden here has not yet been properly explored. If someone looks beyond this green cover, the grandeur of Basohli will reveal itself in its distinctive brilliance.

The grandeur of this place has neither been the result of the patronage of the royal dynasty of Jammu, nor has it been because of the Mughals or any other dynasty. It has a story of its own, with a uniqueness of its own. Amidst the rugged mountain rocks lies a certain softness, whose charm is doubled by the River Ravi. There is an extraordinary combination of colours here. There are folk tales that arouse curiosity. There is spirituality that calms the excited mind. Yellow is the dominant colour here, attracting travellers from afar. Yellow is a symbol of optimism, playfulness, and cheerfulness. At the same time, it is also associated with wisdom. Basohli paintings are its finest creations, casting a spell on those who behold them. Their deep colours possess a timeless appeal that has remained unchanged for centuries.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the call to discover oneself and take pride in one's art and culture, Basohli too awakened to its own identity. The history of Basohli is, in fact, an interesting story of a capital transforming into a village, and then from a village into a semi-developed town. What is interesting, however, is that Basohli still preserves the marks of its ancient past. Its charm lies in the changing contours of the mountains and the wildness of the winds. The rows of trees growing along the banks of the River Ravi and the Ranjit Sagar Dam add to the beauty of this town. Watching the setting sun over the hills cast its reflection on the lake at Purthu as evening approaches is no less than a mysterious experience.

Despite all this, it is surprising that this region of Jammu has still not been established as a tourist destination. However, the promise made by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the local people for a bridge over the River Ravi was fulfilled by the Modi government through the construction of the 'Atal Setu'. This beautiful bridge built over the River Ravi has made the difficult journey to Basohli much easier. Now, Basohli needs to reclaim its lost glory. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has awakened this aspiration among the local people. At the inaugural ceremony of the 'Basohli Utsav' held in 2023, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha had said—"Priceless diamonds and pearls of our historical glory are scattered here. For the golden era of this place to return, we all must make the necessary efforts. We must demonstrate our willpower."

The flow of time may have pushed Basohli to the margins. But the flow of the Ravi is once again about to gain momentum, bringing new life to the town. Small, collective efforts will create possibilities and cut through the fog of every obstacle, bringing light back to Basohli. The 'Basohli Utsav' is the name given to those small efforts.

Although 'Basohli' was once a small state in the history of India, it had no parallel when it came to its cultural heritage. The depiction of Rasamanjari, composed by Bhanudatta, took place here. Situated on the right bank of the River Ravi, this town was once counted among the seven wonders of Jammu. The silent forts standing here preserve their ancient tales within their ruins. This fort was once adorned with paintings, but those paintings have now been destroyed. Seeing their glorious history disappear has caused deep concern among the local people. They are now working to preserve the remnants of their heritage.

After a long wait, Basohli painting has once again been given a new lease of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is highlighting the intricacies of this art form to the world. The organisation named 'Vishwasthali' here is continuously working to give a new dimension to Basohli painting. Workshops on Basohli painting are being organised at various places.

It must be remembered that Basohli painting is not merely an art form; it is connected to our cultural identity. The paintings of Basohli reflect the social customs and ethos of their era. Preserving this extraordinary heritage is our duty. Basohli is also a centre of creative traditions, including Pashmina wool, which are unparalleled and unique because of their production processes and the delicate weaving and embroidery found in their finished products.