The 3-day winter festival in Jammu and Kashmir was hosted by the Indian Army along with the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in Gulmarg, attended by Vidya Balan, Arbaaz Khan, and film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, among others.
Addressing the event, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Dragger Division Virender Vats was quoted by ANI as saying that the event was organized to enable a platform to local artists to showcase their talent and build up the tourism industry in Kashmir.
Vidya Balan glowingly says in a video, “There will be winter sports, music, cultural activities and a lot more so don’t miss it!”
#Bollywood has come together in this endeavour & @arbaazSkhan along with @vidya_balan are in attendance to inspire the local #talents.
The event being organized after 02 years by #IndianArmy is a great way to announce the re-opening of #Kashmir to the #world.(1/2)@adgpi https://t.co/cgozGsZcmX pic.twitter.com/tgMKp6B5iH— NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) February 8, 2021
India Army’s Northern Command tweeted: “#Bollywood has come together in this endeavor & @arbaazSkhan along with @vidya_balan are in attendance to inspire the local #talents. The event being organized after 02 years by #IndianArmy is a great way to announce the re-opening of #Kashmir to the #world.(1/2).”
“Adventure activities including #skiing, snow mobile, #ATV race, snow cycling & Cultural performances by renowned #artists of #Kashmir would be the highlights for the tourists.”
Event will provide a fillip to #tourism in the valley & support the #Kashmiri people.”
Officer Vats also said, “We are happy that friends from film industry Arbaaz Khan, Vidya Balan, and film producer Siddharth Roy graced the occasion and provided the encouragement to the local youth.”
“The enthusiastic participation witnessed will go a long way in sending a message that Kashmir has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and is ready to welcome the tourists once again and Indian Army is happy to support the endeavour,” he added.
The festival also promoted handicrafts and local cuisines. It is anticipated that more celebrities will visit the valley which would help promote tourism.