| Chowgan | |
|---|---|
| Parade ground | |
 Panoramic view of Chowgan Ground inKishtwar, India | |
  Chowgan ground (India) Show map of India | |
| Type | Public place and park |
| Location | Kishtwar,Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Coordinates | 33°19′20″N75°45′34″E / 33.322278°N 75.759578°E /33.322278; 75.759578 |
| Area | 65 acres (26.30 ha) |
| Operated by | Kishtwar Development Authority |
| Open | 24 hours |
| Status | Open all year |
Chowgan is a large ground and tourist attraction in theKishtwar town, in theJammu division ofJammu and Kashmir, India, surrounded bychinar,cedar and other trees. It measures about 65 acres (26.30 ha). This ground is also used as a grazing ground for livestock like cows and goats. At the south side of the ground is the shrine of the Sufi saintFarid-ud-Din Baghdadi.
"Chowgan" literally means "polo"; this ground was used to playchovgan, a polo-like game, in ancient times.
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 the lake flowed out leaving a large open area, 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]
This ground is located about 1,500 metres (1.5 km) from the bus stand in downtownKishtwar, andNational Highway 244 runs along it from the south-east to the west. There is a smallhelipad on the northern side. This ground is the shortcut to various areas. The Bun Astan, Matta, and Sarkoot areas linked to it, as well as the Dak Bunglow and Kuleed.[1] A small park known asChar Chinar is located at the north-east of this ground.[3]
The Chowgan ground is used forEid andMuslim funeral prayers, and by the Hindus of Kishtwar town forDussehra andRama Navami. Every year, cricket tournaments are organized on the ground, and other games like football, lawn tennis, and baseball are played here throughout the year.[3]
