A curtain raiser event was today held for the forthcoming Jammu Mahotsav – 2017, a four day mega celebration of the cultural diversity of Jammu region.On the occasion, Minister of State for Tourism, Culture, Floriculture and Parks Priya Sethi launching the teaser for the event, said that this event marks the beginning for Jammu taking its spot in the national and international tourist circuit as an independent and attractive tourist destination. She said that this event will showcase rich cultural heritage and diversity in all its originality and glory.The Minister said that under the aegis of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, a self sustained tourism model is being implemented in all three regions of the state for inclusive socio-economic development besides ensuring emergence of each region as exclusive independent tourist destination.She said that the ‘Jammu Mahotsav’ is a step in that direction to elevate Jammu beyond its existing identity primarily as a religious tourism destination and make it a hub for multi-faceted tourist activities. This event will also be made an annual feature for the city, she informed.
The Minister informed that special packages will also be introduced in association with JKTDC during the festival to facilitate and divert tourist movement to the nearby tourist destinations in the region.The event scheduled to be held from April 13 to April 16 with main events at Bagh-e-Bahu, will also host supportive features and activities including heritage walk from Amar Mahal to Mubarak Mandi on April 10, local cultural extravaganza, cultural carnival on April 11 and 12, live performance by Lakhwinder Wadali and laser show on April 13, live performance By Abhay Sopori on April 14, live performance by Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai on April 16, folk dances and cultural programs, multi cuisine food stalls, cultural modelling show among others.Other events include Special Children Film Festival and Art-exhibition at Kala-Kendra among others.The concerned also detailed about the elaborate publicity, security, parking and transport arrangements made for success of this festival.Also present on the occasion were Divisional Commissioner Dr Pawan Kotwal, Director Information and MD JKTDC Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director Tourism Sushma Chauhan, IG SD Singh besides officials and officers from concerned departments.