Srinagar, Dec 13 (mb): It’s snow time in Jammu and Kashmir with the state experiencing continuous snowfall for the past two days.
And the tourism ministry seems to be banking on the snowfall to do a brisk business.
The famed winter resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir is rolling-out a major snow carnival for the party revellers of the country and abroad this Christmas and New Year.
From night snow skiing to snow rugby, the resort is bracing up for a major festival starting December 24th this year. Food courts, cultural evenings and special Christmas mass are planned for the week-long festival.
“We have also roped in some artists who will be presenting cultural programmes during evenings throughout the week. A local food festival will also be held where visiting people can relish the delicacies of Kashmir. We want to make the festival more inclusive by such events,” Sarmad Hafeez, joint director of the tourism department, told DNA.
The tourism department has planned different competitions for the visitors during the festival. Amateur snowman-making competition will be held during the festival and the best sculptor will be given awards by the authorities. Plus snow rugby is being introduced for the tourists so that they can feel at home.
“Several foreign and domestic tourists have shown keen interest to join in the celebrations. The week-long snow festival has been planned in such a manner that it will give wholesome entertainment for the visiting tourists,” said Sarmad.
The tourism department has also decided to open the resort for skiing early this year because of early snowfall.
“Foreign groups have already made advance bookings for the festival. South African school students are also arriving here on December 15. We are confident that the festival will be a big and successful event this year,” said Sarmad Tour operators are gung-ho about the festival which they say could help in attracting good number of tourists to Kashmir.
“The snow festival will prove to be a stepping stone for tourism in Kashmir. We want the government to try out more such festivals in order to lure as many tourists to Kashmir this winter. This will send a message that the valley is safe for visitors,” said Habibullah Mir, chairman Kashmir Hotel and Restaurants Association.
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