Excelsior Correspondent
BANDIPORA, Feb 11: Bandipora Youth Federation in collaboration with District Administration today organised Snow Festival at Sumlar area of Bandipora.
The festival witnessed a variety of spectacular celebrations of community, culture, and seasonal joy and offered an array of captivating activities and attractions for participants of all ages.
The festival also witnessed a range of activities, including colorful local Gojri cultural performances, snow sports activities like Sheen Jung (snow fight), snow Kabaddi, snow rugby, and tug of war.
The event was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shakeel Ur Rehman Rather in presence of Padma Shree Faisal Ali Dar, DDC Arin Ghulam MohiuDin, Commanding Officer, 14 RR, Col Rohit Bhat, ASP Bandipora Sandeep Bhatt, DySP HQ Bandipora Shafat Ahmad, and huge gathering of Youth and people from all ages and walks of life from different areas of Bandipora.
With booming drums, traditional chants, and traditional garb, the local tribal community welcomed the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora and other officers with enthusiasm.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ur Rehman appreciated the Bandipora Youth Federation for their efforts in organising snow festival.
He said that these kinds of festivities transform dull winter and icy days into pleasant, exciting ones.
The DC said that in addition to exploring tourism potential, these festivals also assist young people in directing their energies into worthwhile endeavors as opposed to idle diversion.
He advised the young people to abstain from drugs and spend their free time on productive endeavors rather than hanging out with undesirable people and the occasion, an oath to make Bandipora a Drug Free District was also undertaken by all.
During the event, it was revealed that a number of large-scale events are scheduled to take place at unexplored locations of Bandipora.