RAMBAN, MARCH 13: The Mahu Valley Winter Carnival has begun in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban District with a remarkable turnout of locals and trekkers.
The three-day carnival, which began on March 12, is a joint collaboration between the Department of Tourism, J&K, District Administration Ramban, Indian Army, JKTDC and local stakeholders. The carnival aims to promote offbeat tourist destinations in Jammu division.
The festival includes local musical performances, adventure activities like skiing and trekking, ethnic cuisine and staying in homestays. Mori, which is close to Mahu, is being offered as an adventure destination with homestays and night camping in natural surroundings of coniferous forests.
Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Director Adventure, Jammu, launched the tourism youth portal Mahu valley developed by Tanvir Ahmad, a local youth and said that the government is committed to developing offbeat tourist destinations. He added that such events bring self-pride to the village and its inhabitants.
The prime attraction of the festival is beautifully decorated Dhoks that signify the cultural heritage of the region. Trekking expeditions are being organised from Mahu to Mori and the trekkers are enjoying adventure activities like skiing and night camping. Nearly 3000 locals and tourists have witnessed the fest, which is being graced by senior military and civil dignitaries.