Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: The Directorate of Tourism Jammu inaugurated the three-day mega festival, “Basoa Baisakhi Mahotsav 2023”, here today to highlight the cultural vibrancy of the Jammu region.
The festival encompassed all the components of traditional Dogra ethos, including Dogra cuisines, display of local costumes, art/craft, handloom products, narration of local folklores, and much more.
As per a statement, the grand Mahotsav was flagged off by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, from Maharaja Hari Singh Park, in the presence of Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, and ADC Jammu, Sandeep Seointra.
The event began with a colourful carnival of ethnically dressed artists depicting the rich display of Dogra culture, which walked from Maharaja Hari Singh Park to Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, passing through Dogra Chowk, Vivekanand Chowk, Rajinder Bazaar, Kanak Mandi, Purani Mandi, Jain Bazaar Pacca Danga.
The participants included officers of Tourism Department, prominent citizens of the area, beautifully decorated elephants, horses, camels, chariots and folk dancers. They were given a warm welcome by local citizens of the old city by ways of showering petals, garlands, etc.
At Mubarak Mandi, a Dogra village and a Dogra exhibit “Mere Desae Da Shalaepa” with live painting, live poetry, Basohli painting, Basohli shawl, among other Dogra Art and Craft forms, were set up for three days for all visiting tourists/guests. The main aim of organizing this festival was revival of rich Dogra culture, heritage and tradition.
Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, briefed that the Baisakhi Mahotsav is being celebrated across Jammu Division.
He said special events are being organized at Gulabgarh-Paddar Kishtwar, Mansar, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur Reasi, Gurudwara Nangali SahibJi Poonch, JiaPota Ghat Akhnoor, Maharaja Hari Singh Park Jammu and Mubarak Mandi Complex Jammu along with prominent Chowks of Jammu city during the 3 days Mahotsav being celebrated with effect from April 13-15.
The Tourism Department also made elaborate arrangements for showcasing 360 3D experiential videos of tourist destinations of Jammu Division, i.e. Surinsar, Mansar, and Bhaderwah for all visitors at Mubarak Mandi.
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