Punjab's rich cultural tapestry and heritage were on full display at the ongoing Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart — a dynamic event organized by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led State Government. The initiative aimed at promoting Punjab’s culture and tourist attractions on a global scale while boosting the State's thriving tourism industry.
The second day of the event witnessed a dazzling array of cultural performances, mouthwatering cuisine, and traditional handicrafts, capturing the hearts of visitors from various states and countries.
Visitors were treated to a captivating showcase of Punjabi rural life and cultural activities. Over 128 stalls exhibited a vibrant mosaic of Punjabi culture, featuring traditional crafts, clothing, and daily life activities. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, such as spinning yarn, weaving laces, crafting clay pots, churning madhanis, and manually grinding grains. This immersive experience allowed people to connect with Punjab's rich heritage, sparking enthusiasm among participants.
The Malwai Giddha team took center stage, delivering captivating performances that left the audience spellbound. Youngsters and visitors from different states also joined in, showcasing their talents in the energetic Malwai Giddha dance form. The cultural extravaganza was a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary expressions, reflecting the spirit of Punjab.
The event also showcased the immense talent of Punjab's youth, with students from state’s institutes delivering mesmerizing cultural performances, including Sammi, Jhumar, and Luddi dances. Their Bhangra performance infused energy into the atmosphere, encouraging attendees to join in the revelry.
Earlier, Professor Avtar Singh and his team started the cultural evening with qawali ‘Nitt Khair Manga Sohniya Main Teri’ and Dr Nivedata's team performance made the evening memorable. On this occasion, renowned actress and stage coordinator Satinder Satti conducted the stage well.
The students of Punjabi University, Patiala, performed jhumar and sammi, while the students of DAV College Ferozepur enthralled the audience by presenting Luddi. At the end, students of Ludhiana College made the whole hall dance with his Bhangra performance.
Visitors had the opportunity to savor Punjab's iconic dishes, including Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag, Butter, and Lassi (traditional yogurt-based drink). Government organizations such as Verka, Markfed, and Punjab Agro showcased their delectable food products, which were enthusiastically embraced by the attendees. The flavors of Punjab resonated with visitors, making it a culinary journey to remember.
Commercial establishments, organizations, and hotels in the tourism industry set up informative stalls, offering details about tourist destinations and accommodation packages in Punjab. Attendees seized the opportunity to purchase these packages on the spot, indicating a growing interest in exploring Punjab's diverse landscapes and attractions.