Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal today convened a meeting to discuss the arrangements for three day Baisakhi Festival- 2016 commencing from April 13th to 15th .Among others the meeting was attended by Director Tourism R K Verma, ADDC Jammu Anuradha Gupta, Joint Director Information Tilak Raj Sharma, Adll. Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages Dr Arvinder Singh Amn , Station Director Doordarshan Jammu Anjali Sharma and Former Minister & President Dogra Sadar Sabha, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak.Director Tourism Jammu R K Verma apprised the Divisional Commissioner about various events to be organized during the festival.It was proposed in the meeting that the procession showcasing rich culture of Jammu division would be taken out from Vivekananda Chowk to Mubarak Mandi on April 13th.
During the meeting, suggestions were also sought from various stakeholders including representatives of Tourism, travel and trade associations for making the Baisakhi Festival a grand success.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kotwal stressed for promoting rich cultural heritage which should be reflected during the festival. He desired that programmes should be organized at different locations, including Mubarak Mandi, Bagh-e-Bahu, Akhnoor, Peerkho, Balidan Stambh, Ranbir Canal, Amar Mahal, border areas like Suchetgarh to promote the culture and tourism potential of these areas.It was also informed that the Song & Drama Division would organize events during the Festival including performances in Gojri, Dogri, Pahari, Bhaderwahi .Director Tourism was asked to involve Academy of Art, Culture & Languages for showcasing the rich culture of the Jammu division. Divisional Commissioner directed Director Tourism to design the festival by incorporating the suggestions put forth by various stakeholders. It was also proposed in the meeting to revive the Tonga Ride from historical Kanak Mandi so that the people would enjoy the ride in the city in its original form. It was informed in the meeting that various stalls of ethnic food will be installed in the city so that the people especially the tourists would enjoy the local food.
The Divisional Commissioner asked the concerned agencies to decorate the entire route of procession to give a traditional touch. Members of various organizations present in the meeting were also asked to cooperate with the department of tourism in organizing the festival.He also asked Tourism Department to involve all religious organizations in the festival to spread the message of unity and brotherhood.Dr. Kotwal also stressed for wide publicity to the Baisakhi Festival so that people in large numbers participate in the festival.Former Minister & President Dogra Sadar Sabha, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak informed the meeting that DSS will provide all support to the administration in showcasing the unity and rich culture of Jammu . It was also informed that a Kavi Sammelan will be organized during the festival in which renowned and local poets of Dogri, Pahari, Gojri, Punjabi etc. will participate.
President Chamber of Commerce & Industries Jammu Rakesh Gupta, Member Tourism Advisory Committee Ravi Mahajan, Chairman Tourism Federation of Jammu Rajesh Gupta, members of Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K Dharmarth Trust, J&K Christian Dalit Society, representatives of various associations including, tourism, travel and trade also attended the meeting.