Speaker Legislative Assembly Mr. Kavinder Gupta and Minister of State for Education, Culture and Information Mrs. Priya Sethi today inaugurated 15-day long ‘Diwali’ festival organized by Apsara Road Traders Association (APTA), here this evening at Gandhi Nagar.On the occasion, senior leader Mr. Yudhvir Sethi was the special guest.The renowned artists of Cultural Wing of Department of Information and Public Relations presented colourful cultural items including Dogra folk, Pahari and Punjabi and Bhajans which were highly applauded by the gathering.In his inaugural address, Kavinder Gupta said Diwali festival signifying the victory of good against the evil is celebrated throughout the world with great zeal and fanaticism. He said the history of Diwali is replete with legends and the central theme of all legends point to the classic truth of the victory of the good over the evil. He congratulated association members for organizing the festival in a row and in line with the famous Navratra festival of Katra. He said that the festival will help in flourishing the business of the area and will further promote peace and prosperity in the state.
“The special festival has been organised to celebrate the age old tradition of observing exceptional jubilations on Diwali and the association has done a commendable job,” he added.In her address, Priya Sethi said people from all faiths get together to celebrate the vibrant festival of lights and every home is decorated with illuminating Diyas and candles. She said the festival symbolises moment of celebrations and people celebrate the most grand festival joyfully.She hoped that the festival will usher the state in the era of peace and development. She said that the government is also interested in the beautifying of the city of temples which includes many projects which are in pipeline & will help the traders to boost up their trades.
“Our tourism potential has not be exploited fully by the earlier dispensations but now we have committed ourselves to showcase the rich tourism potential at national level and beyond,” she added.
President, ARTA Amit Jandyal briefed the Diwali festival- 2015 which includes "Free Mehandi for ladies, free stalls of fast food would be an added attraction. The biggest and traditional event of the festival will be the 'Crackers Night' on 9th November for which professional artists have been specially booked from outside the State.Prominent among those who were present on the occasion include, DIG, Jammu Ashkoor A. Wani, Joint Commissioner, JMC R.S. Jamwal, President Chamber of Commerce Rakesh Gupta, Secretary Rahul Mahajan, Sr. Vice President Sham Lal Langer and Vice-President Deepak Aggarwal.A large number of prominent citizens of Gandhi Nagar, traders were present at the inaugural function.During this festival of colours and lights, the Apsra Road has emerged as the main business centre of the city as leading national and multinational brand companies have opened their outlets here.