Snow games, Traditional Fashion Show, Lathbazi along with Adventure activities, Music, local cuisine made the day of visitors
BHADERWAH: The Two-Day ‘Asikni Bhaderkashi Utsav’ concluded here today amid an exceptionally cheerful ambiance created by scenic suburbs of the venues and showcasing of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The huge footfall of tourists and exploration of the ecstatic beauty of nature by them greatly contributed towards projecting Bhaderwah Valley as an all weather and round the year tourist destination on the tourism map of J&K.
The utsav witnessed footfall of visitors from all over the country, along with some foreign tourists.
First of its kind traditional fashion show, Snow Wrestling (Kushti), Snow Cricket, Snow football, Local Lathbazi lifted visitor’s spirits and enthusiasm to the level of ecstasy amid snow clad mountains of Jai Valley. Mesmerizing performances of renowned singer Kabul Bukhari, local artists, Band of Bhaderwah, and others spellbound the audience. Voice of Chenab- a local talent hunt programme was also one of the main attractions of the two day carnival.
Rafting at Shibnote, Paragliding, Hot air balloon at Jai Valley, Snow scooters, Snow Cycling, Snow Sledging, Snow Skiing, Snow trekking made the day of the tourists. The events also prove instrumental in highlighting the local culture and traditions=.
Prizes were distributed amongst the winners of different competitions including snow football, wrestling competition, Snow Cricket etc.
The winter festival has been celebrated every year in the Bhaderwah Valley for the last many years, and is one of the biggest annual events of the District’s tourism calendar. This year the District Administration and Tourism Department had made special efforts to ensure that tourists coming here feel the experience never before in hospitality, facilities, and activities. Snow from all the roads going to tourist places was removed, and telecommunications towers (networks) had been installed for better connectivity. Security arrangements, traffic management, availability of Hotels, Restaurants, Home stays and other logistics were ensured in advance.
Pertinent to mention is that the tourism department is working very hard to promote its recently launched Homestay policy along with identifying circuits with themes like adventure, recreation, pilgrimage etc. The off beat destinations are being redefined as sustainable and viable for all visitors.
The two days Utsav was organised by District Administration Doda in collaboration with Tourism department, BDA, and Indian Army 4RR under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to expose the tourists to a confluence of Bhaderwahi and Doda’s ethnic arts, crafts, cuisines, and engage them in fun activities besides entertaining them with performances by various Celebrity Artists. Department of Art Culture and Languages Sub office Doda, Youth Services and Sports Department, Information & PR Department, participated actively and contributed in making the Utsav a grand success.
District administration would start a digital directory of the famous tourist destination and festival in the current calendar year to promote local culture, tradition, and tourism in the district. The DC asked the Tourism department to pitch in for support in making the digital directory and in promoting local culture along with tourism in the district.
The Utsav was thrown open yesterday by Major General Ajay Kumar (VSM) GOC CIF(D) along with Deputy Commissioner Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan and in presence of SSP Doda, Abdul Qayoom, Brig Samir K Palande Cdr. 9 Sector RR, Col. Rajat Parmar, CO 4RR, Col Ankur Sharma, CO 10RR, Col Nishant Sanwal Commandant CBS Bhalra, Principal GMC Doda, Pooja Vimesh, Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Sharma Mehta, ADC Bhaderwah, Chowdhary Dil Mir, ADC Doda, Dr. R.K Bharti, DDT Publicity, Abdul Jabbar and other dignitaries.