Minister of State for Tourism, Education, Technical Education, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks, Priya Sethi today inaugurated three day Baisakhi Festival being organized by Tourism Department at Mubarak Mandi in Jammu.Vice Chairman JKTDC, Rafi Ahmed Mir, VC JKCCC Bari Andrabi, Advisor Infrastructure and Development, Pradeep Singh, ADDC Jammu Sureaya Jaseen, EO MMHS Sham Lal and senior officers of Tourism Department, Civil and Police Administration were also present on the occasion.Senior Political Leader, Yudhvir Sethi was also present during the inaugural function.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the efforts made by the Tourism Department in organizing the festival at a mega scale. She said that such festivals promote the local culture and spread the message of brotherhood. Young generation need to be made aware about our glorious heritage and Baisakhi Festival will go a long way in spreading this awareness among our youths, she added.Priya said that Baisakhi festival is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and every dimension of our culture be it food, music, dance or art need to be showcased in a splendid manner.
Vice Chairman JKTDC, Rafi Ahmed Mir said that festivals like Baisakhi strengthen the bonds of love among people and nurture amity and harmony. He appreciated the efforts of Tourism department behind organizing the festival and asked for organizing such festivals in the state so that local culture is promoted.This year, the Baisakhi Festival is being organized at Mubarak Mandi, Jio Potha Ghat in Akhnoor and Mansar. At Mubarak Mandi, the festival is organized for 2 days i.e, April 12 & 13, at Akhnoor April 13 & 14 and one day festival on April 14th is scheduled at Mansar.Mansar has been added as new venue for the festival this year in addition to other venues including Mubarak Mandi & Akhnoor.Besides this, the renowned painter K K Gandhi has been invited by the Tourism Department for live painting on Mubarak Mandi.Ethnic food stalls and departmental stalls were installed at Mubarak Mandi including of Horticulture, handicrafts, handloom, floriculture, JKTDC, KVIB and RDD focusing various welfare schemes for people.The Minister also inaugurated a Tanga ride in presence of other dignitaries. At Mubarak Mandi, a Photo Exhibition was also held showcasing art, culture, heritage, tourist destinations and flora and fauna of J&K state.A scintillating musical programme was also organized by the Department in collaboration with artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.