J-K: Government organises Baisakhi Mela to attract tourists

Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Apr 19 (ANI): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, with an aim to attract tourists on religious basis and provide employment to the locals, has organized a seven-day Baisakhi Mela in Billawer area of Kathua district. The state government promoted the religious and cultural tourism by installing various stalls of art and culture and organised cultural programme by famous Dogri and Gojri. Kashmiri artists also made their presence in the mela to present the best of songs and dance on local folk which was the main attraction for the tourists. Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh requested the tourism department to frame a special project of tourism development to develop the area as a tourist destination which would be further approved by the Chief Minister. Singh said, "District Administration in association with Local Mela Committee arranged the Baisakhi Mela to develop the cultural heritage and tourism of the town." The Billawer area of kathua district have several famous religious places like ancient Mata Sukarala devi and Mata Bal Sundri Temples, Lord Shiva Maha Bilkeshwer temple (constructed by Pandwa during Banwas), and various hilly location mark of attraction. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister visited and inspected stalls installed by departments who have displayed their goods and implements besides literatures of schemes and programmes for the visiting peoples. (ANI)