Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Baisakhi Festival 2019 was inaugurated here today at Mubarak Mandi Complex with traditional gaiety and religious fervor.
The festival has been organized by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu as a part of its three day long Baisakhi celebrations which will be held in Bagh-e-Bahu on April 13 and Jio-Potha Fort Akhnoor on April 14.
The festival was attended by large no of people from all sections of the society. Om Prakash Bhagat, Director Tourism Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion while Deepika Sharma, Executive Director Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society Jammu and Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Chief Executive Officer Surnisar-Mansar Development Authority were the guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Om Prakash Bhagat said that the core essence of such festivals like Baisakhi is to relive cultural and traditional values which have been passed from one generation to another.
Various local artists of the State presented variety of cultural items depicting folklore and rich heritage of the State, which mesmerized the audience and received huge applause from everyone. Also various Departments like Handicraft, Handloom, JKTDC, KVIC, DIC, State Agro Industry etc placed their stalls to showcase the indigenous products/crafts of the State. Along with it various ethnic food stalls were also installed.
This year, a Rangoli competition was held by Directorate with the theme “Tourist destinations of Jammu”. A total of 13 number of teams took part in the competition which made colourful Rangolis depicting different tourist destination of Jammu and presenting their artistic complexion of colours. The theme for the competition was chosen so that tourist destinations of Jammu are known to the local as well as tourists in the State.
Various destinations like Bagh-e-Bahu, Bahu Fort, Bhimgarh Fort, Ranbireshwar Temple etc were canvassed in form of Rangolis. Dr Meenakshi Kotwal, Assistant Medical Superintendent SMGS Hospital and Dr Mrilani Atrey, Assistant Professor Law School Jammu University judged the event. The winners of the competition were awarded later in programme.
In this season of festivity entire Mubarak Mandi complex was illuminated and decorated which was an attraction in itself. The festival was attended by Ansuya Jamwal, Deputy Director Tourism, Publicity and Umesh Shan Assistant Director Katra, Sheena Sahni, Assistant Director Tourism, Jammu and other officials of various departments besides a large no of prominent citizen as well as tourists were also present.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
