Excelsior Correspondent
PAHALGAM/GULMARG, Jan 1: The week long Pahalgam Winter Carnival organised by the Tourism Department concluded here today with the celebration of New Year. The carnival saw 7 day long performances from the field of music, dance, dramas and exhibition of winter games, street foods among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez said that more than 4.5 lakh tourists have visited Pahalgam. He said that Pahalgam is fast emerging as a major winter tourist destination. He said the department is committed to put Pahalgam and Sonamarg on the tourist map for winter tourism.
Director Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. GN Itoo said on the occasion that the department has organized a Winter Carnival to showcase the scenic beauty of Pahalgam. He said such events are not only important to boost tourism but also promote Pahalgam as a major film shooting destination and he hoped that film industry visits Pahalgam and Gulmarg for shootings.
The New Year day celebrations took place at Pahalgam club and saw a massive participation by tourists and locals.
Among others, DDC Chairman Anantnag MY Gorsi, DC Anantnag Dr Piyush Goyal and other officers of Tourism Department and district administration attended the New Year celebrations.
The highlight of the event was the performance by Bollywood singer Rohanpreet Singh who brought the crowd to its feet with his numbers. The event also saw participation by local cultural groups among others.
On the occasion, Secretary Tourism also released Digital Calendar of Tourism Department.
Prior to this, the department had organised weeklong musical evenings which saw participation of locals and tourists. Locals and tourists alike lauded the department and district administration for their promotion and publicity of Pahalgam as a winter destination.
Similar activities were held at the ski resort of Gulmarg where local artists and singers displayed their talent and enthralled the audience. A good number of stalls depicting Kashmiri culture and heritage were installed at the event. The tourists who looked to be very happy after the function said that they had come to celebrate the last days of 2021 and initial days of 2022 in the beautiful valley of Kashmir.
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