Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 24: Army organized a Bakarwal Mela (fair) for the nomad populace in Drass sector of Kargil district, a defence spokesman said here.
Each year Bakarwals, the traditional nomads make an almost ritualistic journey to the Drass valley through the formidable Zojila in search of precious grazing grounds for their livestock. “Their simple, easy going nature along with increased interactions with the army in recent years has led to forging of better understanding and good relationship between these nomads and the army,” the spokesman said.
“The army’s ‘Forever in Operation’ Division, in the serene surroundings of Mughalpura, to strengthen this bond by facilitating the Bakarwals with basic necessities and conducting various sports/cultural events, which witnessed their participation in large numbers, with plenty of enthusiasm and zeal. GOC, ‘Forever Operations Division’ was the chief guest on this grand occasion,” the spokesman said.
He said a number of facilities like canteen outlet, medical and veterinary camp were part of this mela along with games like musical chair, sack race, jalebi race, cricket and archery competitions for the Bakarwali children and youths.
“In addition to this, a hack ride race was also organized for young Bakarwal lads, wherein they displayed their exceptional riding skills. A competition of best handicraft item for the artistic Bakarwali ladies was conducted in which the ladies displayed their rich culture in the form of beautiful hand woven materials. Their children in turn presented beautiful folk songs and dance in honour of the chief guest and the Bakarwali ladies presented a skit depicting the life and times of a Bakarwali woman. In addition to the Bakarwal fraternity, the gathering comprising soldiers, civil and military dignitaries and villagers from nearby areas, enjoyed every moment of the event,” he said.
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