KULGAM: In order to give fillip to the winter tourism potential of Aharbal, promote tribal culture and to increase tourist footfall especially in winters, the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Aharbal Development Authority, RDD, YS&S, Tourism and Forest Division Kulgam on Thursday organised a daylong Winter Carnival, here.

The Winter Carnival was jointly inaugurated by Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, M Afzal Parrey; Deputy Inspector General (DIG), South, Rayees Mohammad Bhat; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr.Bilal Mohi-Ud-din Bhat at Aharbal Tourist destination by flagging-off two groups of 60 trekkers to Chiranbal and Sangam.

During the festival, multifarious activities and events were carried out which included Snow cricket, Snow run, Snow Rugby, Tug of war, Snow Volleyball, Skiing and other Snow games.

Multiple stalls were installed by various departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Tourism, Handicrafts, Fisheries, Employment, NRLM and other departments for showcasing government schemes and programmes. A stall housing articles and artifacts depicting local tradition and culture were also displayed which attracted immense public response.

Scintillating cultural performances especially performances on tribal culture were also presented by local artists and school children which mesmerized the audience and guests present.

Addressing the public DC Kulgam said that Aharbal and other tourism destinations in Kulgam have huge potential to attract tourists and the Winter Carnival is an initiative to promote winter tourism activities in unexplored scenic places, destinations of the district and to boost the tourism sector in Kulgam. The DC said that organising winter festivals is also aimed at changing perception of people for winter tourism and to engage youth towards winter sports.

Promotion of tourism is linked to enhanced employment generation and besides, engaging youth in sports activities will prevent them from falling into the trap of drug menace which has victimized youth badly, added Dr.Bilal.

Later, a calendar of District Administration and a booklet prepared by Forest Division Kulgam titled ‘Nature is Calling’, containing information about various tourist destinations of the district was released.

KR Desk