The Indian Army launched the 51-day Pir Panjal Winter Festival in the border district of Poonch on Sunday, a defence spokesperson said.
The festival highlights the army's dedication to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and efforts being made to combat issues like drug abuse.
The event will feature a range of sports and cultural activities, including a U-25 men’s cricket tournament, volleyball tournaments for men under-25 and women U-21, an open kho-kho competition for girls, as well as Gujari and Pahari folk dances and a dance talent hunt.
The festival will host solo and group singing contests, providing a platform for school and college students to showcase their artistic talents. Science and arts exhibitions will also be held, with competitions in painting, essay writing, and elocution, encouraging participants to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge. A live musical performance by a renowned artist will cap off the festival on its final day, adding another highlight, the spokesperson noted.
This initiative aims to foster sportsmanship, cultural revival, and comprehensive development, especially for youth from remote and underserved communities in the region. The strong and enthusiastic response from the people of Poonch reflects the close bond shared between the local community and the Indian Army, the spokesperson added. More than just a celebration, the Pir Panjal Winter Festival is a catalyst for change, encouraging young people to avoid the dangers of substance abuse and redirect their energy into positive and life-affirming activities.
Meanwhile, focusing on promoting Jammu region as an exciting tourist destination, chief minister Omar Abdullah said the union territory will become India's top place for religious tourism.
According to a government statement, in a meeting on Friday, the chief minister's third pre-budget consultation in as many days, he said that the discussions are aimed at ensuring the proposal of people's representatives get considered and the budget reflects their needs and aspirations.
Touching upon the economic growth and industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir, he emphasised the need to support manufacturing, trade, and tourism. "I held pre-budget consultations with various stakeholders from industry, tourism, and education, ensuring their concerns shape our budget and policies," the chief minister wrote on X on Friday.
He mentioned that discussions focused on boosting Jammu as a religious and pilgrimage tourism hub, improving trade policies, fostering industrial growth, and enhancing sports infrastructure.
During the meeting, Omar noted the expansion of the railway network, highlighting improved connectivity from Pathankot to Jammu, Udhampur, and Katra, with plans for the train to reach Srinagar this year.