In connection with ongoing ‘Iconic Week’ celebration, a daylong Tourism festival was held today at tourism resort Yousmarg, Budgam.The daylong festival was jointly organised by District Administration Budgam, Tourism Development Authority Yousmarg and Tourism Department Kashmir.The celebration started with a series of cultural programmes organised by the Department of Tourism and District Information Centre, Budgam.The cultural programmes presented on the occasion enthralled the audience gathered.The event was also marked by flagging off Cycle race by Chief Guest on the occasion, ADC Budgam, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone who was accompanied by CEO YDA Bilal Khurshid, SDM Chadoora Prince Noorul Hamid, DIO, SDPO Char Sharief and ATO. A painting competition on the theme ‘Conservation of Ecology and Environment’ organised by the Education Department was also attended by students of Higher Secondary School Chrar I Sharief.During the festival different departments had installed their stalls depicting and demonstrating their products, products and services, besides on spot registration facility for scholarship seekers including students belonging to ST and other backward classes was also made available.
The ADC along with other officers inspected the stalls, the staff deployed at these stalls apprised the inspecting Officers about the Nature of service, schemes and programmes being offered and implemented by line departments across the district.Later, the ADC Budgam along with all concerned officers flagged off Horse riding race and a contingent of tracking team for expedition from Yousmarg to Nilnag.In conclusion, appreciation certificates to the students who participated in the painting competition and cycle race were distributed by the Chief Guest in the presence of a huge gathering with a round of applause. The appreciation also included the winner of the essay competition namely Arkam Iqbal besides Waqar Abdullah for his best performance in the painting competition. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Nasir Ahmad said that he felt thrilled while witnessing the overwhelming response by the audience, particularly keeping in view the present weather conditions.He said that all the participants presented their whole hearted performance. He said, this has inspired us a lot and in future such events shall be celebrated at large scale involving all stakeholders.