Lolab Kupwara: Notwithstanding chilling temperatures, the Kariwan park in Devar Lolab on Saturday saw quite a hustle and bustle throughout the day with multifarious activities from performers on the eve of maiden edition of Lolab Winter Festival.
The daylong event was participated by a large number of people from different corners of Valley.
On the eve the participants engaged in a multitude of activities to showcase the rich and diverse ethos and pluralism of Lolab and Kashmir valley alike. Among the top activities which left the audience bemused included; traditional/folk music performance, dance performances, handicraft display, snow-volleyball championship, skiing and a range of other activities.
The Indian Army also organised a “Know Your Army Program” as part of the winter festival. There was a display of all the latest weapons being used by the army which enthralled the visitors. There was a counter/stall wherein information on employment opportunities within the army right from Officers entry to soldiers recruitment were explained to young inquirers and registration for NDA Entrance Exam Preparatory classes also carried out. The locals were enthused by the grand display and took special liking to a Citizen Soldier selfie point that was created at the venue.
Various departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Youth Services & Sports had erected stalls at the venue for the dissemination of information among the visitors. Several NGOs including Volunteer Group Lalpora remained present on the occasion to facilitate with various services free-of-cost.
Among the top dignitaries gracing the occasion included; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan, ACD Kupwara Mehraj Ahmad, 8 Sector Commander Brigadier Kunal Sharma (SM), Former Minister Adv Abdul Haq Khan, DDC Chairman Kupwara Irfan Sultan Panditpuri, VC DDC Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir, SSP Kupwara Ghulam Jeelani, Commanding Officer 47 RR, Commanding Officer 28 RR, Commander 68 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Suneet Chaddha, CMO Kupwara, ACR Kupwara, CEO LBDDA, SDM Lolab, DDC Sogam Nasir Nazir Lone, DDC Drugmulla Adv Aamina, BMO Sogam, DySP DAR, DySP Lolab, Inspector Riyaz Ahmad, Range Officer Sogam and others.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan thanked all the visitors and stakeholders for successful conduct of the event.
“Aim of holding this event is to boost the tourism potential of picturesque Lolab valley,” she said.
