KATHUA, JANUARY 21: In a significant stride to promote tourism and highlighting the scenic beauty of the region, the District Administration organized the first-ever Winter Festival at the breathtaking Sarthal Valley in the Bani Subdivision.The festival was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, amidst an electrifying atmosphere with over 3500 visitors gathered to celebrate the occasion.The festival showcased an array of engaging activities. The Marquee event ‘Bani Got Talent’ show received an overwhelming response with youngsters displaying their skills. The event provided a perfect platform for showcasing local talent and engaging the community.Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar expressed his admiration for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of such festivals in promoting lesser-explored tourist destinations like Sarthal Valley. He said, ‘The Winter Festival is not just a celebration of culture and adventure but also a step towards realizing the immense tourism potential of this region. We aim to put Sarthal Valley on the map as a sought-after destination for nature and adventure lovers.”The Divisional Commissioner informed that the Sarthal Winter Festival now on will be a calendar event which will gradually get larger in coming years. He further disclosed that Bani is going to host inaugural Summer Festival in Dhagger; another picturesque valley of Bani which ultimately will give huge fillip in the tourists footfall of the region.The highlight of the festival was a spellbinding performance by internationally acclaimed singer Sonali Dogra, who captivated the audience with a soulful blend of Dogri Hindi, Punjabi folk songs. Her performance left the crowd mesmerized, setting the tone for an unforgettable event.Adding to the charm was the authentic Pahadi cuisine, which offered visitors a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. From tug-of-war contests to thrilling varied fun activities, the vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by fun-filled activities against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, lauded the efforts of the district and sub-divisional administration in organizing the maiden festival. He remarked, “This initiative will go a long way in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sarthal Valley while boosting the local economy through increased tourism.”Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr Rakesh Minhas in his address, highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and assured the public that more such events would be organized to promote the region. He stated, “This festival is just the beginning of our journey to transform Sarthal Valley into a hub for winter tourism. We are committed to developing the infrastructure needed to attract tourists from across the country.”The mela also featured Paragliding, Snowskating, Volleyball and other sports activities besides the Sarthal Valley buzzing all day with a host of fun activities.The Winter Festival at Sarthal Valley marked a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the region’s tourism potential. The event is expected to be a cornerstone for future tourism initiatives in the district.Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta, ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, CEO LSDA Ajit Singh, SDM Hiranagar Rakesh Kumar, SDM Bani Gias ul Haq, Prateek Anil, CPO Ranjit Thakur and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
