BUDGAM/GANDERBAL: To mark the beginning of Spring, the Department of Tourism in collaboration with Budgam district administration organised a first of its kind spring festival at Nagam here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza said that this winter was a big success for Budgam district as both Doodpathri and Yousmarg remained open for the first time across the winter season, receiving both local as well domestic tourists in good numbers.
He appreciated both Doodpathri and Yousmarg Development Authorities for working tirelessly in promoting these destinations.
The DC said that Budgam has huge potential for tourism and needs to for its aggressive promotion and publicity. He vowed that the District Administration Budgam shall provide all possible support for tourism promotion of all destinations in the district.
He also said that a special sanitation drive shall be launched in all areas and urged locals to avoid dumping of garbage roadside and avoid use of single use plastic items to help in keeping their areas clean and healthy.
The Director Tourism, Kashmir, Dr GN Itoo in his address said that spring festival celebrations were started from Budgam as it has huge tourism potential and its karewas through a panoramic view present a mesmerizing view. He said these festivals shall not only promote rural tourism but also enhance the income resources of the locals.
Lauding the role of District Administration Budgam, the Director said both Doodpathri and Yousmarg destinations remained through and witnessed a heavy tourist footfall during this winter.
The open air function was held amidst almond blossoms in full bloom orchards, attracting a good number of tourists and locals to the venue.
On the occasion, the Director said that various destinations including in Budgam have been identified for development of 5- star tented accommodation to attract tourists across the world, providing them better facilities in Kashmir.
The Director Tourism said that besides promoting Tourism at national and international markets, the Tourism department has decided to celebrate every season to woo more and more tourists to the Valley. The celebration of spring festival shall be followed by Tulip season, apple blossom seasons and other blossoms seasons to promote round the year tourist related activities in the Valley, he said.
He said that despite covid- 19 pandemic, Kashmir has received a better tourist influx including 6.5 lac high-end tourists in the year 2021, breaking the record of past few years.
On the occasion, various stalls showcasing local ethnic street food, local teas, bread varieties, dry fruits particularly almond and walnut varieties, dried vegetables, handicrafts and kangris (fire pots) were set up.
Enthralling the audience with their scintillating performances, various musicians and local singers who performed and presented folk music on the occasion were joined by a number of tourists at the stage turning the event more live and eye-catching.
Among others, CEO, Doodpathri Development Authority, Nargis Suraya, CEO, Yousmarg Development Authority, Bilal Khursheed, Deputy Director, Tourism, Alyas Ahmad, SDM Chadoora, other officers, local PRIs, Tourist from various States, respected from various adjoining villages, and students from various schools were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing series of the festival series, the Department organized an Ethneco Spring festival at Wudur Wattlar (Sagg Eco Village), Ganderbal.
Malik Waseem, Deputy Director Tourism Recreation and Deeba Khalid Peer, Deputy Director Tourism Publicity were present on the occasion.
The main highlights of the festival were local ethnic/organic food, local Pashto music and trekking expeditions by local schoolchildren. A huge number of tourists local as well as domestic especially from Pune and Mumbai participated in the event.
