Pahalgam, Feb 17 (KNS): Hundreds of the locals and tourists participated in the two day festival which began here on Saturday at picturesque Pahalgam. The festival is aimed to attract tourists to otherwise summer resort in winter months and also send a positive message across the globe that Kashmir is lively.
During the festival, the department made elaborate arrangements to entertain tourists and provide them a peek at the local culture and heritage. Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture, Handicrafts, Handlooms departments have also participated in the festival who established their stalls for the visitors showcasing their products.
The stalls were decorated with thatched roofs, giving an ethnic look.
Tourists also witnessed breathtaking locales of the different destinations through a photography exhibition by the armature photographers.
During the day, many cultural events were organsied at the Pahalgam Club which entertained the participants. The book reading session was also held which was appreciated by the locals.
A first of its kind Shadow Art and Orchestra performance was performed by reputed artists at the club which received a loud applause from the audience.
The star performers include musical performance by Ali Saifuddin, book reading by Taha Mughal, shadow art by Amar Sen, stand-up comedy by Anshita, Rabbab was played by Noor Mohammad and others.
Traditional Tonga ride is also available through Pahalgam market besides the department also decorated Renzipal village in Pahalgam for the visitors to take a cultural walk.
In order to promote the festival, the department also developed the website kashmirfestivals.com where in all the information was updated. The website also gave the information of the hotels offering discounts.
Vice Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, Rafi Ahmed Mir said the objective of this festival is to promote Pahalgam as a winter destination.
He said Tourism minister, Tasaduq Mufti had come up with the idea to promote the destination and make the place lively.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
"The main motive is to promote Pahalgam as a winter destination for domestic as well as the foreign tourists."
Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah said the department has been promoting Pahalgam as winter destination for past many years.
“We have installed ski lifts also here and organised ski courses for the locals last winter. Besides many other activities like ice climbing was also held here to promote this resort for winter months,” said Director Tourism Kashmir.
During the festival local hoteliers also participated and illuminated their hotels besides offering 50 per cent discount for the two days of the festival.
Director Tourism Kashmir said Pahalgam has good hotel accommodation which remains mostly empty during winter months unlike ski resort Gulmarg which remains fully packed.
“Pahalgam can cater to more tourists than Gulmarg but during winter months it receives low tourist footfall. We have been promoting this festival for over a month and local hoteliers have also pitched in with their promotional campaigns which has borne fruit. We have witnessed good participation of both locals and tourists. Tourists are enjoying the festival,” said Director Tourism.
The Pahalgam market was also decorated and many stalls were erected showcasing local products of art and craft, local chef also gave a live presentation of the preparations of ethnic food.
Director Tourism Kashmir said this festival would also send a positive message across that Kashmir is lively and tourists can enjoy during the festivals.
“The festival would set a tone for the spring and summer seasons as a positive message is going out that Kashmir is a lively place where tourists are free and can witness local culture,” said Shah.
The department also showcased the festival activities live on its facebook page which also received good response. (KNS)