Warwan Wonders: A Spectacular Festival Unveiled in Kishtwar’s Hidden Gem
Secretary of Tourism Unveils Ambitious Plans at Spectacular Warwan Festival
Kishtwar: – The enchanting Kavyard region of Warwan Tehsil, nestled within the picturesque Kishtwar district, witnessed a remarkable two-day extravaganza at the Warwan Festival. This grand spectacle, orchestrated seamlessly by the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the District Administration Kishtwar and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, showcased a thrilling fusion of culture and adventure.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Tourism & Culture departments, inaugurated the festival, accompanied by distinguished guests, including Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav, IAS, and Joint Director of Tourism, Mrs. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, JKAS.
The festival’s diverse offerings catered to all interests, from serene yoga sessions to heart-pounding marathon races, graceful horseback rides to captivating live painting exhibitions, and thrilling adventures like trekking, bike rallies, and angling expeditions. For the first time ever, visitors experienced exhilarating river rafting adventures in this stunning locale. The entertainment quotient soared with live musical performances by a lineup of exceptionally talented artists, including Kabul Bukhari, Naseem Ul Haq, Zulaikha Fareed, and renowned local luminaries.
Over two days, the festival drew an impressive assembly of more than 10,000 tourists and adventure enthusiasts, with significant attendance from the neighboring Kashmir region. The active participation of the local community added vibrancy to the event, with attendees appreciating the Tourism Department Jammu & Kashmir and District Administration Kishtwar for their efforts.
The Warwan Festival is poised to become a fixture on the national tourism calendar, solidifying its status as a major cultural and adventure extravaganza.
In his address, Secretary Tourism, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed, affirmed his commitment to developing the region as a tourism hub. He announced the establishment of the Yuva Tourism Club in Warwan, aiming to inspire local youth towards tourism. Furthermore, he directed the Directorate of Tourism Jammu to provide training for tourist guides and register adventure tour operators from the Warwan Valley within the next month. One hundred homestays will be registered, and local youth will receive skill development training in collaboration with reputed national stakeholders. Exciting announcements included the introduction of rafting and adventure activities in Warwan, the identification of three trekking routes to attract international trekkers, and the ambitious goal of placing Warwan on the international tourism map. Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed stressed the importance of preserving the region’s pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav, praised the tireless efforts of the entire team, highlighting tourism’s potential to enhance livelihood opportunities for Warwan’s residents.
Mrs. Sunaina Sharma Mehta emphasized the pivotal role of homestays in providing tourists with an authentic local experience. She affirmed the Directorate of Tourism Jammu’s unwavering commitment to promoting adventure tourism in the Warwan Valley.
The festival was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including SSP Kishtwar Khalil Ahmed Poswal, ADC Kishtwar Inderjeet Singh, CEO KDA Sh. Rishi Sharma, Deputy Director of Tourism Abdul Jabber, AD Tourism Arif Lone, SDM Marwah Dr. Mohsin Raza, SDM Chatroo Shokat Hayat Matoo, Tehsildar Kishtwar Muneeb Umar, DIO Kishtwar Dr. Kuldeep Kumar, and other esteemed officials from the Civil and Police administrations.
Prominent figures from the Marwah Sub-Division, including DDC members, BDC members, and PRIs, enthusiastically participated in the festival, contributing significantly to its resounding success.
