J&K CM participates in Lohri celebrations

Jora flags off Heritage walk

           Jammu, January 13 (Scoop News) – 2-Day Lohri-Raghunath Bazar-2011 festival concluded here today with the Chief Minister,  Omar Abdullah participated in the concluding activities with lighting the traditional fire to mark end of the celebrations.

            The Chief Minister greeted the Jammu people on the occasion and wished a happy and prosperous future to them. He was attired in a traditional Dogra outfits and offered ground nuts to the fire in a symbolic gesture. 

            The 2-day festival was jointly organized by the Tourism Department, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Raghunath Bazar Association, hoteliers, Travel and Trade Associations.          Artists of Cultural Academy presented short skits depicting the traditional Lohri festival and its importance, which is celebrated to bid good bye to cold season. A large, number of people present on the occasion witnessed the variety cultural programmes presented by the artists.

Meanwhile a heritage walk was organized here today from Amar Mahal Palace to Raghunath Bazar.  The heritage walk was flagged off by the Minister for Tourism and Culture,  Nawang Rigzin, Jora.

The Heritage walk began from Amar Mahal Palace and passed through Panjthirthi, Mubarak Mandi, Chowk Chabutra,Pacca  Danga, Kali  Jani, Raj Tilk road City Chowk and culminated at Raghunath Bazar.  Hundreds of school children drawn from various Government schools from Jammu city participated.

 Enroute the students were briefed about the centuries old heritage buildings and temples like Amar Mahal Palace, Panjtherthi Temples, Mubarak Mandi and Kali Jani.  The Heritage walk was organized with the objective showcasing the heritage of Jammu and generating awareness among the people especially the school going children for its preservation and utility.

Director Tourism senior functionaries of Education and Tourism Department besides members of Travel and Trade Associations were present on the occasion.

Relevantly, this Lohri-Raghunath Bazar 2011 Mega festival was inaugurated by the Minister for Tourism last night at Bagh-e-Bahu.

On the occasion a variety of cultural programme was organized by the artists of Song and Drama division, Govt. of India showcasing the culture and Lohri traditions of Jammu which kept the audience spell bound. An ethnic food festival was also organized on the occasion depicting unique cuisine of the State.

Divisional commissioner Jammu  Pawan Kotwal, Director Tourism and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.   

www.scoopnews.in