Budgam: The Department of Tourism in collaboration with District Administration Budgam organized a mega Tourism festival at tourist resort of Doodhpathri on Saturday.
The aim and object of this event was to project and promote Doodhpathri as an attractive tourist destination, and the event was organized well in advance of the beginning of annual tourism season, to provide ample opportunities to local as well as outside visitors to have an adventurous visit to the venue, an official press release informed.
It said the event witnessed a huge gathering of visitors — both locals and tourists from outside – who had thronged the place.
During the event, cultural programmes presented and performed by prominent artists, including ‘Bande pather’ and skits demonstrating and depicting beauty and attraction of this place.
On the occasion, various departments had installed their stalls to showcase their skills and exhibit their produce and the activities they are scheduled to take in hand in ensuing period for the socio-economic upliftment of privileged section of the society.
This festival was first of its kind organized at this place taking advantage of scenery of snow-clad pastures.
The audience and the locals in general hailed the initiatives and efforts jointly undertook by District Administration and Tourism department and observed that this step will emerge as a strong boost for heavy tourist footfall, the press release said.
Speaking on the occasion, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza reiterated his commitment that Tourism department will always find district administration at the fore-front when an initiative relating to boosting tourist footfall is concerned.
He appreciated the efforts of Tourism department for conduct of this event.
The DDC urged the Director Tourism to organize events on this pattern at other tourist resorts falling in district Budgam.
During the daylong event, activities like snow-walking, snow shoe, adventure camping, mountain biking, cultural and musical programmes, horse rides, ATV rides, ice-skating, etc were a major highlight.
Director Tourism, Dr. GN Itoo while thanking all participants, stakeholders, sponsors, departments and other collaborators said that the success of this event on this scale has inspired us to conduct such events at other health resorts being more eventful and attractive.
On the conclusion all participants were felicitated with mementos and certificates on behalf of their performances in the activities displayed by them in their respective fields.
The daylong event was also attended by Joint Director Information, Haris Ahmad Handoo; Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Nasir Ahmad; Joint Director TDC, Tabasum Kamli; ACP Budgam, CMO, CEO, ACD and other concerned.
