The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, has organised a mega three days Winter Carnival 2020 at Patnitop to attract tourists. The three days Winter Carnival coincides with the New Year celebrations amid snowfall season, which is a major attraction for the tourists. The event was a confluence of local dogri art, ethnic cuisines, cultural performances and fun activities.

The Director of Tourism, Jammu, RK Katoch, KAS, along with IGP Jammu Mukesh Singh, IPS inaugurated the carnival. DIG Ramban Doda Kishtwar range Abdul Jabbar, IPS and SSP Ramban Haseeb-Ur-Rehman, KPS also graced the occasion with other dignitaries. The festival started with local dogri kud dance and geetru performances among other engaging performances by local artists. The main attraction of the inaugural day was the musical evening along with song, dance and live DJ performance which was appreciated by all the tourists.

The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with Patnitop Development Authority intended to showcase local art, culture, artifacts, ethnic food to the tourists visiting the snow-clad hills.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by CEO PDA Sachin Dev Singh Jamwal, KAS, Dy. Director Tourism (Jammu) Anil Kumar Chandail, KAS, ADT NHW-Batote Dr Umesh Shan, KAS among other officials of the Tourism Department, District Administration and Patnitop Development Authority.

Large number of tourists from all over India, especially UP, Gujarat, Kolkata, Punjab, Karnataka thronged the main meadow and enjoyed all the activities during the said event. The tourists appreciated the efforts of the Tourism Department for re-starting the tourism activities in the region and making elaborate arrangements for the celebration of snow festival on New Year’s eve. There is a huge rush of tourists at Patnitop and the footfall has been increasing day by day. However, the said event is being managed by the Tourism Department while observing and following all the protocols which are in place regarding COVID-19.