Early Times Report
ANANTNAG, Feb 21: Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of Tourism has organised a two-day winter carnival to revive the tourism sector of the state.
Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Pahalgam to take part in the Winter Festival. The place reverberated with live folk performances by artists, live painting and calligraphy both by amateurs and professionals. Traditional art and craft was on display at the event.
Dr G N Itoo, Director of Kashmir Tourism said that the aim of the carnival is to introduce the tourists to undiscovered destinations, ethnic cuisines and handicrafts of the state.
“Besides reviving the state’s tourism, the winter carnival will also promote the businesses of Kashmir people. The youngsters in Pahalgam helped a lot to organise this program,” he said.
“Kashmir is famous for film shooting, rafting, adventure tourism and exceptional scenic beauty. But still, many beautiful places remain to be known to tourists”, he added.
“The two-day winter festival will mobilise ambassadors of Kashmiri tourism from other states and more tourists will come to Kashmir in summer and autumn”, he further said.
He said that similar events will be organised in the coming weeks at Sonmarg and Doodhpathri.
“This fair is very good as our indigenous products are being promoted, This will surely boost the potential of the state in the tourism sector. Last year they organised the festival in Gulmarg,” he said.
“There are around 40 stalls in this festival that includes handicrafts, horticulture, fisheries” he added.
“Cultural programs at the winter carnival were exceptional. Every year I visit Kashmir. My experience here is beyond words,” he further said. |
