Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Feb 5: The first snowfall of the season has transformed Kishtwar district into a winter wonderland setting stage for a spectacular ‘Snow Mela’ organized by District Administration Kishtwar in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Jammu and J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL).
The event unfolded at iconic Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Devansh Yadav and involved the concerned stakeholders.
Dr. Devansh Yadav was chief guest on the occasion, SSP Kishtwar, Abdul Qayoom was guest of honour while ADDC Kishtwar, Ghulam Rasool and ADC Kishtwar, Varunjeet Singh Charak were special guests.
Dy.SP Hqrs, Ishan Gupta; Dy.SP DAR, Sajjad Khan; EO Municipal Council, Ninad Sen; DYSSO Kishtwar, Kharati Lal Sharma; CEO Kishtwar, Prehlad Bhagat; I/C JKAACL, Gulab Saifi and other officers and officials of civil and police also participated in the event.
The programme was coordinated and managed by Nodal Officer/State Tax Officer, Circle Kishtwar, Maneet Sharma.
The Snow Mela, a celebration of the enchanting snowy landscape, attracted about 4000 locals and visitors.
The sprawling Chowgan Ground became a hub of activities offering a myriad of attractions for attendees.
Cultural performances by local artist and musicians like Touqeer Ali of Bhaderwah; Mamta Shan, the Kishtwar Idol fame; Janveer Aryan and Rohan Bhandari, Kishtwar Art Production showcased their talent in dance, music and traditional arts.
Competitive spirits soared as participants engaged themselves in friendly matches of Tug of War, Snow Football, Archery and Kabbadi organised by District Youth Services and Sports Department.
On this occasion the Motor Vehicle Department conducted an awareness programme under the aegis of ongoing Road Safety Month.
Food stalls of restaurants-Kishtwar Valley, Coffee Cafe, Riwayat and Khew Chew adorned with local cuisine became a culinary delight for visitors.
The artistic flair of participants shone through in the snowman competition where imaginative creations dotted the landscape, turning the ground into a temporary art gallery of frosty sculptures.
Speaking on the occasion DC Kishtwar and SSP Kishtwar extended felicitation of Sheen Mubarak (Happy New Year Snowfall) to all the citizens of Kishtwar besides appreciating the stakeholders who made this event a grand success.
Dr. Devansh Yadav expressing satisfaction at the success of the Snow Mela and said: “We envision more such initiatives to showcase distinctiveness of our region.”
The proceedings of the event were well moderated by Awani Sen.
The ground, nestled amidst mountains on all four sides, offered a picturesque view resembling a lotus, enhancing the allure for both residents and visitors.
Convenience of accommodation near Chowgan Ground provided tourists with an opportunity to extend their stay and explore the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Kishtwar.
As the sun set on the snowy landscape, it left behind a glow of satisfaction and joy and the Snow Mela proved to be more than an event.
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