Jammu Festival to promote ''Border Tourism''

Jammu, Mar 30 (UNI) The fort-night long Jammu festival scheduled to begin from April 1 in the Winter Capital of the state would be focusing on the promotion of ''Border Tourism'' near International Border in R S Pura sector, some 30 km from here.

Addressing the mediapersons today afternoon, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey said besides various cultural and traditional programmes; border tourism would also be promoted during the festival.

''A car rally would be also flagged off from Himachal under the title 'Rally of the Lakes' covering the major lakes of the province and it would culminate at Indo-Pak border in Suchetgarh sector,'' Mr Pandey told UNI, adding that the step has been initiated to spread the message of ''peace and love'' between both the countries.

''We have discussed the festival celebrations with the officials across the border and if the initiative taken, proved to be fruitful, participation from the neighbouring country during mega Jammu Festivals is likely be there in future,'' the Divisional Commissioner said.

The fifteen-day long festival would be a hub of heritage, cultural and traditional activities. ''Major tourist destinations in all the ten districts of Jammu Province will be illuminated and decorated to celebrate the gala festival,'' Mr Pandey said.

However, live musical night with sensational Sonu Nigam on April 13, evening with ghazal singer Anoop Jalota, theatre plays, lazer shows, painting and floral competitions, ethnic foods with boarding and lodging on special discounts for the tourists, would be the highlights of festival.

''Moreover, tight security arrangements have been made in the entire Jammu region including the bordering districts by the state Police Department and other security forces for the successful celebrations,'' Mr Pandey said.

The festival would be declared open by the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and his deputy Muzaffar Husain Baig on April 1, at Bahu Fort.

UNI VBH PY AS1528