Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Sept 11: The District Administration Kishtwar, in collaboration with Kishtwar Development Authority (KDA), Directorate of Tourism Jammu and Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) hosted the Devigol Festival in the picturesque Bunjwah area of this mountainous district amid huge public participation.
The event, held on Sunday, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of more than 10,000 visitors who enjoyed a blend of traditional Sports (Dangal), cultural performances, and recreational activities amidst the breathtaking natural beauty.
Several Government agencies and organizations, including the Indian Army, Ratle Hydro Electric Power Project, District Youth Services and Sports Department, RDD, Revenue, Forest Department, and the All Sports Association Bunjwah besides the locals played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the festival.
The event was formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav in the presence of DDC member Aemina Banno, BDCs, SSP Kishtwar, Khalil Ahmed Poswal; Additional Secretary JKAACL, Sanjeev Rana; ADC, Inderjeet Singh Parihar; ASP, Rajinder Singh; CEO, KDA Dr. Rishi Sharma; SDM Paddar, Arun Kumar Badyal; Tehsildar Bunjwah, Tejinder Sharma; BDO Bunjwah, Sonia Parihar; DIO, Kuldeep Kumar; DYSSO, Kharati Lal Sharma besides Gulab Saifi of JKAACL and PRIs.
The Devigol Festival attracted people from all walks of life hailing from erstwhile Chenab Valley including Kishtwar, Doda, Thatri, Drabshalla, Bhallesa etc and provided them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the serenity of the season amidst the pine and Cedar trees and sprawling meadows of the area.
The grand festival represented the collective efforts of the Administration, PRIs, KDA, Ratle HEP, Indian Army, Cultural Academy and Local Citizens to unlock the tourism potential of the lesser-explored tourist destinations in Kishtwar district.
The Devigol Festival featured an array of attractions, including Dangal, Sports, trekking adventures, dance performances, musical showcases, local cuisine, and more.
The major attraction of the festival was the Dangal (Traditional Wrestling),which steals the show, witnessed an exhilarating display of traditional wrestling.
Wrestlers hailing from Punjab, various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kathua, showcased their incredible skills.
Besides this, other sports activities like Volley Ball and Tug of War were also organised by Sports Department Kishtwar on the occasion for the amusement and recreation of Participants and Tourists.
Other attractions of the event were renowned artists like Farooq Khokar, Bashir Mastana, and Chaman Lehri and their parties along with local singers, who also performed Kashmiri, Gojri, and local folk songs, captivated the audience with their mesmerizing melodies.
Notably, the Kud/Sungali Dance performance of Bhaderwah by dedicated artists and the dance performance by young talents like Tavishi Anand and Simran Kumari alongside other local performers and school students, added an extra layer of excitement to the festival with their captivating dance performances.
In addition to the festivities, a Devigol to Pagga trekking expedition was organized, attracting 25 trekkers who explored the picturesque landscapes under the guidance and support of Tehsildar Bunjwah, BDO Bunjwah and Forest Department, Bunjwah.
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