On the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day, the Indian Army conducted a winter festival in Gurez to promote the potential of winter tourism which was celebrated by more than 1000 locals of the valley. A wide range of activities and games were conducted during the event such as snow fight, snow volleyball, snow cricket, snow Race, snow tug of war. Various cultural programs highlighting the rich and varied cultural heritage of Gurez were also performed by the locals. Igloos and snow sculptures were also made by the locals and snow camping was also done by some. The festival also encompassed various food and game stalls by the Indian Army which were very popular among the locals.
Various dignitaries of the Civil Administration including SDM Dr Mudassar Ahmad Wani, Nb Tehsildar and others also took part in the Festival. The event commenced with the flag hoisting which was jointly done by the Commanding Officer of the local Army unit and SDM Gurez.
The festival showcased colourful dance and cultural programs by the boys and girls of valley and a few cultural troupes.
Gurez valley made its place on the tourism map this year in summers when more than 15000 tourists flocked here for the first time in the history. There has been a protracted demand by the locals to the Government and Tourism department through various social media posts, news interviews and small scale snow camping initiatives to promote winter tourism in the area. To further this initiative of the locals, the Army has conducted the festival.
