Kulgam, Nov 24: To promote tourist destination Aharbal, District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Tourism Department organized the first ever Ahrabal Festival here today which witnessed participation of people from different walks of life besides many tourists.
The programme was organized near Ahrabal Waterfall Park.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat said that the objective of the festival is to bring Ahrabal tourist destination in limelight of national and international level and to promote the beauty of Aharbal and its various beautiful spots/destinations including Kousarnag, Aharbal Waterfall, Chiranbal to people across the world.
On the occasion, Director Tourism Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo said that the Department is making concerted and coordinated efforts to promote potential tourism destinations like Aharbal. He said the festival is part of the Government’s initiative to promote 75 offbeat destinations across Jammu & Kashmir. He said the Department intends to make Ahrabal a hub of tourism activities with Kongawaten, Guerwatan, Kusar Naag etc as its catchment destinations. The Department, he added, is working in this direction.
DDC Chairperson, Mohammad Afzal Parrey, CEO, Ahrabal Development Authority, Ghalib Mohi ud Din and other DDC members, officers of Tourism Department and district administration, PRI members were present on the occasion.
During this festival colorful cultural programmes were held and soothing voices and melancholic musical streams by the performers reverberating through the cold breezes turned the show energetic and lively with the audience cheering for these artists.
Groups of boys also participated in cycling and trekking events and were flagged-off by Director Tourism Dr. G. N. Itoo and Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din-Bhat.
Multiple stalls were also installed by various departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep, Animal Husbandry, Tourism, KVIB, Apiculture, Floriculture and Handicrafts and other departments and entrepreneurs.
Painting competition was also organised and students from various schools participated in this competition.
At the culmination of the programme top performers in cycling, Painting and others competitions were awarded.
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