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| Govt will explore tourism potential of Akhnoor: Sham | | Baisakhi festival celebrated at Akhnoor with traditional fervor | | Early Times Report
AKHNOOR, Apr 14 : Like other parts of the country, the Baisakhi festival was celebrated at Akhnoor with lot of fanfare and traditional fervor on Saturday. The festival was organized by the department of Tourism in collaboration with Akhnoor administration and other social organizations. Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood control, Sham Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion.
A larger number of people from different parts of the State participated in the function which was held at the right bank of river Chenab, Jia Potha. The spot has historical significance as first Dogra Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir; Maharaja Gulab Singh who was coroneted here. The Baisakhi Mela is celebrated at the same spot every year. The local artists presented colorful cultural bonanza, touching rich Dogra culture and heritage. The folk singers and artists mesmerized the jam packed audience with their offbeat acts. The artists also tried to showcase the rich heritage of Akhnoor town through their art. The Punjabi Gidha and skit on social evils were centre of attraction.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister congratulated the people on this auspicious occasion and said that festivals are harbinger of peace and prosperity of the people as also promotes mutual brotherhood and communal harmony. He said Jammu and Kashmir State has unique character of diversity where people from different religions share their joys and sorrows with deep sense of understanding which strengthens our ties. He stressed the need for further promoting the bonds of mutual brotherhood through festivals and other available means to ensure peace and prosperity in the State.
Listing the measures initiated to promote the rich heritage of the Akhnoor town, the Minister said that Government has brought the Akhnoor town on the tourist map and efforts are being made to connect the town with Katra-Shiv Khori tourist circuit to divert tourists via Akhnoor. He said all places of religious as well as historical significance in and around Akhnoor town are being developed to attract the tourists from different parts of the world. Necessary tourist infrastructure will be created for the facilities of tourists at Akhnoor, said the Minister. Saying that River Chenab is the main pride and attraction of Akhnoor, the Minister maintained that Government has conceived a comprehensive proposal for beautification and channelization of River from Reasi to Hamirpur Kona. A detailed survey by the experts is underway and shortly the project will be sent to the Centre for funding. The objective of the project is to attract more and more tourists to this historical place as also to check erosion of large chunk of fertile land located along the river Chenab at different villages of Akhnoor tehsil, the Minister maintained. Later, the Minister offered special prayers amidst religious rituals and vedic mantras. He also took part in the Sandhya Aarti on the pattern of Ganga which was performed by hundreds of people. Several senior officers of district administration, including Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Chief Engineers, PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, SDM, Akhnoor and prominent citizens of Akhnoor town were also present on the occasion. |
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