Srinagar: With Srinagar all set to host a meeting of the G-20 working group on tourism, Russian ‘Buskers’ could be seen entertaining people along the Boulevard Road ahead of the first major international event scheduled for May 22 and 23.
A young couple from Russia solicits money from bystanders through the act of performing or ‘Busking’ in public places.
“Hi, I am Ivan from Russia, I travel all over the world, please help me by donation,” reads the signboard the couple had put on display to attract passersby.
Donned in blue hoodie and brown pants, Ivan was playing guitar, while his partner in green hoodie and white trousers was entertaining onlookers on the mouth organ (harmonica).
The video of the foreign couple soliciting money from people at Dal Lake through street performance went viral on the social media sites, including facebook and Instagram.
Commenting on the video, posted on facebook, a netizen wrote “Congratulations, foreigners entertain locals, Kashmir on path of progress!”
Shabir Shagoo, a local who witnessed the performance, claimed that the young couple seeks donations from bystanders through street performance.
“I was pleased to see foreigners performing on Srinagar streets; the couple was seeking donations from the people against their musical performance. It was an all new experience for me and those who witnessed it,” Shagoo said, adding everyone paid wholeheartedly.
When contacted, Director Tourism, Raja Yaqoob Farooq told ‘Kashmir Images’ that the couple might have run out of the money, forcing them to perform on the street.
“I have directed the SSP Tourism police Srinagar to look into the matter. They might have run out of the money. I would be able to comment on the matter once the report is received,” Director Tourism added.
