By King RJ
Bhadarwah : To promote winter tourism and provide a much needed boost to the tourism industry, a two-day winter carnival is being organised in the famous tourist destination Jaie Valley in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhadarwah in an attempt to revive the tourism.
The carnival reverberated with colourful activities is being jointly organised by Tourism Department, District administration and Army.
It has colourful activities, including cultural programmes, display of art and craft, snow circket, wrestling, stick fighting by tribals and professionals.
The festival was inaugurated by Maj Gen Ajay Kumar GOC Delta Force along with DC Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan in presence of Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Mehta.
Performances by renowned singer Kabul Bukhari, adventure sports activities, Beside traditional folk dance and songs by local artists and other activities attracted a good participation of locals and tourists including foreigners on the inaugural day of the event.
DC Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan said the festival is being conducted to revive the tourism sector, which had been adversely affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to promote the popular resort for the winter season also.
The festival includes an exhibition of crafts drawn from adjoining villages, tapestry of cottage craft and handicrafts, cuisine, fruits, and other components of the village economy, he said.
“We are promoting Bhaderwah as world class winter destination, offering tourists a slice of it’s world class meadows, sports, cuisine and culture. In short we are offering, a Switzerland like experience at an affordable cost,” DC added.
Hundreds of tourists who are enjoying the winter stay in Bhaderwah valley beside large number of locals and students converged at snow filled Jaie Ghati to attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director Tourism Jammu Sunaina Mehta said the festival is a part of the department’s initiative to promote Bhadarwah as a winter destination and also display rural flavours to the visitors.
“Bhadarwah is primarily a summer destination but we want to invite tourists in the winter months also which looks so beautiful during snowfall. Though the Gulmarg ski resort is most sought after during winter months, this event will attract travelers from across the country to Bhaderwha also during these months,” Sunaina added.
A group of tourists from Australia said that the place is very beautiful and they seem to be enjoying bright sunshine in the snow filled calmness of the valley. “We came to know about this place from our friend, so we decided to visit here. It’s a great undoubtedly one of the most beautiful place on earth, clear atmosphere, fresh air and a pleasant weather,” Catherine (45) said , saying that everyone should visit this unexplored heaven on earth.
According to the data issued by authorties, at least 5000 visitors converged at Jaie meadow on first day of the two day snow festival.
