Chowgan Ground

Chowgan is a large ground and tourist attraction in Kishtwar town of Jammu and Kashmir, surrounded by Chinar, Deodar and other trees. It measures about 165 acres (66.77 ha). This ground is also used as grazing ground for livestock animals like cows, goats, etc. On the south side of the ground is the famous shrine of the Sufi Saint Shah Asrar-ud-Din Baghdadi.

Chowgan
Parade Ground
Panoramic view of Chowgan Ground in Kishtwar
Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Chowgan Ground (India)
TypePublic Place and Park
LocationKishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir
Coordinates33.322278°N 75.759578°E / 33.322278; 75.759578
Area165 acres (66.77 ha)
Operated byKishtwar Development Authority
Open24 hours
StatusOpened all year

Name

Chowgan literally means "Polo", as this ground was used for playing Chovgan, a polo-like game in ancient times.

History

According to official government data, this place was a lake in ancient times, namely Goverdhansar Lake, but due to a natural disaster, the water of this lake flowed down and the place remained there as a large grazing and playing ground, which was named as Chowgan.[1]

There is a ban imposed by the local administration on the entrance of non-essential vehicles to this ground.[2]

Location

This ground is located about 1,500 metres (1.5 km) from the Bus Stand in the main town of Kishtwar and National Highway 244 passes along with it from the south-east to the west. There is a small helipad on the northern side. This ground is the intermediate path for various areas. On the left hand side, the Bun Astan, Matta, and Sarkoot areas are linked to it, and on the right hand side of this ground, the Dak Bunglow and Kuleed areas are situated.[1] A small park known as Char Chinar is located at the north-east of this ground.[3]

Events

The Chowgan Ground is used for Eid and funeral prayers by the Muslims, and for Dussehra, Rama Navami, by the Hindus of Kishtwar town. Every year, cricket tournaments are organized on this ground and various other games like football, lawn tennis, and baseball are played here throughout the year.[3]

References
  1. "Chowgan, Kishtwar". www.kishtwar.nic.in. Official Website of Kishtwar district. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  2. "Kishtwar admin reinforcing restriction on entry inside Chowgan Ground". India Education Diary. 31 May 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  3. Junaid Hussain Malik (24 July 2016). "Chowgan The symbol of peace and harmony". Daily Excelsior. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
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