SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department today kick-started a two-day ‘Shikara Festival’ at Dal Lake here as part of its efforts to promote tourism in the valley.
Various events like ‘Shikara’ (boat) Race, Dragon Boat Race and Canoe Polo matches besides cultural programmes depicting traditional heritage and culture of Kashmir would be presented during the festival.
The festival was jointly inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone and Director Tourism Mehmood Ahmad at Santoor Ghat near Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) along the banks of the lake.
“Shikara is the identity of Kashmir and tourists feel their journey to the valley incomplete without Shikara ride,” Lone said, adding various initiatives have been undertaken by the government to boost tourism and increase the tourist flow besides improving the state’s economy and creating employment avenues for locals.
The Tourism department is organising several events for the promotion of tourism industry, he said and hoped such initiatives will definitely send a positive message to the people living outside the state to attract them towards Jammu and Kashmir.
On the sidelines of the function, tourists expressed their views and said that they feel excited to visit Kashmir.
They said they will take back the message of peace and love to their respective states about the state.
On the occasion, cultural programmes and traditional ‘Bandpathar’ (folk songs) were presented by the artists. (AGENCIES)
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