Srinagar: Gulmarg Festival 2022 aimed at providing impetus to the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir by projecting the region as an all-weather tourist destination concluded on Saturday.
The event showcased a wide range of local talent and sports activities across the spectrum of programs. Extravagant musical performances by renowned local as well as Bollywood celebrities shook the show and projected the event as a mega event and an apt platform to enhance the tourism potential and talent pool of the valley. To add thrill to the occasion adventure activities such as tethered Hot Air Balloon, Sky diving demonstrations, ATV race, Horse & Pony race, and Hiking expeditions were conducted as part of the event.
Lt Gen ADS Aujla, YSM, SM, VSM, GOC Chinar Corps, Chief Guest for the final day of the event said that the Gulmarg festival is a unique grand show and a worthy projection of Gulmarg as an important tourist destination in the tourist map of the world. He also congratulated all the artists who enthralled the audience with their jaw-dropping performances.
Winners of various competitions conducted as part of the festival were felicitated by the chief guest with cash prizes. Gulmarg festival-2022 marked an eventful milestone in projecting the tourism avenues of Jammu and Kashmir through its meticulous conduct, overwhelming support, and participation of tourists visiting Gulmarg.
The first day of the two-day mega event conducted by the Dagger Division of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department witnessed a glittering opening ceremony encompassing a wide array of activities showcasing various facets of Gulmarg as a premier tourist destination along with the immense talent of Kashmiri youth in all its grandeur.
The day witnessed numerous sports and adventure activities such as Mini Marathon, Pony Race, Hot Air Balloon display, Hiking, and Tiranga Rally on ATV. In addition, the sequence of events also included high-octane cultural performances by local artists and a display of state-of-the-art craftwork by local craftsmen of the valley.
Maj Gen Ajay Chandpuria, VSM, General Officer Commanding Dagger Division inaugurated the event at the venue appealing to the crowd and said that Gulmarg is a region with scenic natural beauty, rich tradition, and cultural heritage and also urged the younger generation to uphold the same with pride.
He also added that there is an urgent need to effectively harness the tourism potential of the area and mold it as the prime round-the-year tourist hub of India. He also admired the talent of local Kashmiri artists who conquered the stage with their mesmerizing performances. The event also attracted a ginormous influx of tourists from all over the country who participated with much enthusiasm and fervour.
