Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, as an annual regular feature organized cultural programme at historical Raghunath Baazar and Samba Fort to celebrate Lohri- an auspicious festival, symbolizing fertility and spark of life.
The event was held in collaboration with the Raghunath Bazaar Businessmen Association, District Administration Jammu/ Samba and JKAACL.
Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Rajinder Sharma was the Chief Guest for Lohri Celebrations held at Raghunath Baazar whereas DDC Chairman, Samba Keshav Dutt Sharma was the Chief Guest for Lohri Celebrations held at Samba Fort.
At Raghunath Bazaar the event started with lighting of traditional lamp by the Chief Guest, Hon'ble Mayor JMC, Rajinder Sharma and Director Tourism, Jammu, Vivekanand Rai in presence of Sanjay Gupta, President Raghunath Bazaar Business Association and Deputy Director Tourism, Publicity, Abdul Jabbar, amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.
Whereas at Samba Fort the lighting of traditional lamp was done by the chief guest, DDC Chairman Samba, Keshav Dutt Sharma, Vice Chairman, DDC Samba Balwan Singh and Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Anuradha Gupta.
Rajindar Sharma Mayor JMC at Raghunath Bazaar greeted the people and wished them and their families a very happy Lohri. On the occasion, the guests and participants prayed for the peace & prosperity of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and hoped that 2023 will see manifold increase in tourist influx to the UT of J & K.
A large number of locals and tourists also participated in both the events with fervor and gaiety. A scintillating Cultural bonanza was held on the occasion which enthralled the audience.
The cultural procession featuring folk dance by the local artists, special Chajja performance and Lohri Haran dance by the artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu enthralled the tourists and locals.
The event formed the part of continuous efforts being made by the Tourism department and other stakeholders to revive the Tourism sector in the area. Also, the Raghunath Baazar Businessmen Association had setup ethnic food stalls at the heritage Bazaar to welcome the tourists.
However, the major attractions for the audience was live performance by Saptak Group. Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Jammu said that the spree of events/festivals like Winter Bonanza at Sanasar and Patnitop, Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival at Bhaderwah, Christmas celebrations etc. has already added to vivacity and cheerfulness amongst tourists and locals.
The Department shall organize Bhaderwah Adventure Festival, National Level Tourism Conference etc. shortly to attract more tourists to the region. Abdul Jabbar, DDT Publicity Jammu said that the idea for organizing this cultural event was to keep ages old traditions alive by ensuring that the festivals are celebrated.
This way awareness shall reach new generation which shall get to know of our roots. Pertinently, this was one of the magnificent event in the series being organized to create awareness among tourists and for the tourism promotion purpose.
Others present on the occasion were Shyam Abrol, General Manager JKTDC, Narotam Sharma, Corporator Ward no 3, Anita Sharma Corporator ward no 11, prominent citizens of the area alongwith other officers/officials of the Directorate.