The much-anticipated Zarla Winter Festival was inaugurated today, bringing an exhilarating mix of winter sports, cultural programs, and community engagement activities to the snow-covered landscape of Tangdar. Organized with the active support of the Indian Army, the festival aims to promote sportsmanship and foster youth engagement in adventure activities.
The grand inauguration witnessed the presence of Deputy Commander of 104 Shakti Vijay Brigade as the Chief Guest, along with distinguished guests including the Commanding Officer of 7 Rashtriya Rifles, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Tangdar, Principal of GDC Tangdar, Judge Munsif Court Karnah and Principal of Army Goodwill School (AGS) Hajinar. The festival has drawn participation from nearly 150 young enthusiasts from various schools and colleges in the region.
One of the major attractions of the event is the free ski training program conducted by certified instructors from Gulmarg, offering young participants an opportunity to learn professional skiing techniques. The initiative is designed to encourage local youth to take an active interest in winter sports and explore potential career opportunities in adventure tourism.
Adding to the excitement, the festival features multiple fun games, snow-related activities, and cultural performances. Several food stalls have been set up, offering local delicacies and warm refreshments to the guests and participants, creating a festive atmosphere.
The festival saw enthusiastic participation from ex-servicemen, members of the media fraternity, and local youth showcasing their skills in various activities. Snow-related games kept the audience entertained, and young participants demonstrated their talents in multiple competitions, making the event a true celebration of winter sports and community spirit.
The Indian Army, which played a key role in organizing the festival, has been instrumental in guiding the youth towards sports and positive engagements. By providing infrastructure, training, and encouragement, the Army continues to nurture talent and promote adventure sports in the region.
The Zarla Winter Festival will continue for the next two days, culminating on April 4 with a grand closing ceremony that will include more competitions, cultural performances, and a final showcase of skiing talents honed during the training sessions.
The festival stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in promoting winter tourism and engaging the youth in constructive activities, ensuring a bright and promising future for adventure sports in the region.