To give fillip to the tourism potential of Aharbal and other tourist destinations in the district, a two day Winter Carnival organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Tourism Department commenced today at Aharbal.
The Winter Carnival was jointly inaugurated by Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; Deputy Inspector General (DIG South), Altaf Ahmad Khan; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan.
During the festival, multifarious activities and events were carried out which included flagging of cycle rallies, trekking groups to Chiranbal and other trekking routes. Scintillating cultural performances presented by local youth band and Bangra by CRPF besides various other colorful cultural programmes by school children were performed which mesmerized the audience and guests present.
The carnival also witnessed inclusion of snow sports including Snow Cricket, Snow Run, Snow Rugby, Tug of War, Snow Volleyball and other snow games, and Sports persons and students across the district participated in these games.
Multiple stalls were installed by departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Tourism, Handicrafts, Fisheries, Employment, NRLM and other departments for showcasing key government schemes and programmes. A snow art cum heritage exhibit which includes snow figures and traditional art and craft was also inaugurated and witnessed overwhelming response from the public.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, Chairperson DDC Kulgam appreciated efforts of the District Administration for organising the festivals to promote the tourism in Kulgam. He said these events will benefit the people in the district and give a boost to the economy.
Addressing the public DC Kulgam said that Aharbal and other tourism destinations in Kulgam have huge potential to attract tourists and the Winter Carnival is an initiative to promote winter tourism in unexplored scenic places, destinations of the district and to boost the tourism sector in Kulgam.He added that the Administration is focused to provide tourists with the best tourism destinations and is committed to promote all off-beat destinations in Kulgam.
Aharbal's picturesque area hosts breathtaking spots ranging from famous Waterfalls, to mesmerizing views of Gurwattan and Sangam and the expansive meadows of Kungwattan, gushing waters of turbulent Vishaw besides the fascinating upstream Alpine Lake, Kousarnag, which is a trekker's paradise.All the beautiful areas are full of adventure tourism avenues, trekking, sight viewing, camping and are famous for picnicking and leisure activities.
The event was also attended by Vice Chairperson, Shazia Jan; Principal Sessions Judge Kulgam, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat; SSP Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal; ADDC, Bashir Ahmad Wani; ADC, Viqar Ahmad Giri; SDM Noorabad, Bashir Ul Hassan; ACR, Mushtaq Ahmad besides local people and officers from Civil and Police administration. The event shall continue on Sunday 25th February.