Breaking away from its past image associated with terrorism, Kashmir is embracing a new narrative of peace and prosperity, epitomized by the Snow Festival organized by the Bandipora Youth Federation in collaboration with the District Administration.
Held at the picturesque Sumlar area of Bandipora, the festival showcased a vibrant tapestry of community, culture, and seasonal joy, offering a diverse array of activities and attractions for participants of all ages.
From colorful local Gojri cultural performances to exhilarating snow sports activities such as Sheen Jung (snow fight), snow Kabaddi, snow rugby, and tug of war, the festival captivated the hearts of attendees.
The event witnessed a prestigious inauguration by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shakeel Ur Rehman Rather, in the esteemed presence of Padma Shree Faisal Ali Dar, DDC Arin Ghulam Mohiudin, Commanding Officer of 14 RR, Col Rohit Bhat, ASP Bandipora Sandeep Bhatt, alongside a large gathering of enthusiastic youth and people from diverse backgrounds across Bandipora.
Amidst the rhythmic beats of drums, resonating traditional chants, and vibrant traditional attire, the local tribal community extended a warm welcome to the Deputy Commissioner and other dignitaries, exuding enthusiasm and camaraderie.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ur Rehman lauded the efforts of the Bandipora Youth Federation in organizing the snow festival, emphasizing its role in transforming the icy winter days into moments of joy and excitement.
He underscored the festival’s significance in not only exploring the tourism potential of the region but also in channelling the energies of youth into constructive endeavors, thereby steering them away from negative influences. Deputy Commissioner Rather urged the youth to take an oath to make Bandipora a Drug-Free District, emphasizing the importance of productive engagement over idle diversion.
In his remarks, he commended the local community and public representatives for their unwavering support in organizing such a magnificent and successful event, signaling a promising shift towards peace, progress, and prosperity in the region.
As the festival concluded, it revealed plans for future large-scale events at unexplored locations in Bandipora, promising more exciting celebrations to come, symbolizing the region’s journey towards a brighter and more vibrant future.