KATHUA: The 2-day “Border-Festival” organised near international border in Hiranagar concluded today registering participation of over 23,000 people. Series of events were organised on the second day which witnessed large participation in different activities. A fleet of 3 vehicles dedicated for “Border Safari” booked by visitors online was also flagged off from the sports stadium by CEO LSDA Dr Bharat Bhushan and SDM Hiranagar Sohan Lal .
The border safari moved to various villages along the international border and forward border outposts. The visitors had a glimpse of area and habitation across the international border from the watch towers of BSF. Officers and Jawans of BSF welcomed the tourists and local visitors at the border outposts and explained about the defence strategy and places. Later, valedictory function was organised which was chaired by MLA Hiranagar Kuldeep Raj. The MLA gave away prizes to various winners of events, sports competitions, stalls and contests.
Speaking on the occasion he lauded the administration for this historic festival organized near international border to woo tourists and called upon the youth to avail maximum benefits from the innovative measures started by district administration aimed for livelihood, development and tourism promotion in the border area.
On the sidelines, a series of sports events were organised which included competitions of Kabaddi and Volleyball which attracted a large number of youth. A series of sports events were organised between 6 different teams. Participation was drawn from different districts of state. Cultural programmes in Dogri, Gojri, Pagadi, Punjabi and folk dances were organised during the day. Food stall of BSF, Pepsi and private organisations also presented a variety of food items to the visitors.
Earlier, District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary visited the festival venue and reviewed preparedness for final day events including valedictory function. He complimented the people of border area, Hiranagar and Kathua for such an overwhelming response in making the border festival great success and a historical event. He further informed that border festival will be organised twice a year at different places as a regular feature in the district, for which a core group has been constituted.