Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: A mega one-day Baisakhi Festival held at Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi and also at Bani in Kathua district.
The Baisakhi Festival at Bhimgarh Fort was organized by Directorate of Tourism Jammu and inaugurated by DDC Chairman Reasi, Saraf Singh Nag, along with Deputy Commissioner, Reasi Babila Rakhwal. SSP Reasi Amit Gupta was also present.
The event was a confluence of local Dogri art, ethnic cuisines, cultural performances, local craft, live pottery making, ethnic dress display and many fun activities to engage the visiting tourists and showcase indigenous culture.
The festival started with the tribute paying to the great General Zorawar Singh followed by Heritage Walk, Nukkad Natak by Vomedh, Heritage Exhibition, Dogri Folk Dances, Tagline Competition, Local Celebrity Performances, Food and Departmental stalls amongst other engaging performances by local artists. The main attraction of the inaugural day was the musical evening along with singing performance by Varsha Jamwal, Standup Comedy, Bangra Dance, and Performance by Saptak Band which was appreciated by all the tourists.
The annual Baisakhi mela of Bani started with a grand opening as the inaugural day events attracted scores of people from different parts of J&K besides neighbouring states of Punjab & Himachal Pradesh. SDM Joginder Singh Jasrotia inaugurated the Mela in the presence of DDC Member Bani Reeta Thakur and Additional Secretary JKAACL Sanjeev Rana.
A scintillating cultural programme depicting local dance, folklore, culture and heritage presented by JKAACL and local artists mesmerized the audience. Dogri geetdu, Himachali songs and nukkad natak were the main attractions of the Program.
Speaking on the occasion, the SDM called for promoting and preserving the indigenous culture of the mountainous belt of Bani which has a distinct identity and culture. He said the Mela provides a great opportunity for local artists to exhibit their talent and also offers avenues for their income by selling their artifacts besides disseminating information regarding local art, craft, culture and legacy.
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