Bandipora, September 07: The three-day Wullar festival being organised by Indian Army begin on Tuesday with much fervor at Laharwalpura Ghat with youngsters participating in a range of activities.
An official spokesperson said the festival aimed at creating environmental awareness, promoting water sports and tourism in the area and empowering women as well as the local fishing communities by providing a platform to showcase their talents. He said the Civil Administration, JKP, CRPF and the local population is being taken on board for this initiative wherein sports, education and entertainment will come together in perfect synergy to create a lasting impact on the minds of the awaam.
He said the major events planned as part of the festival include Men's Marathon, Women's Marathon, Bicycle Rally, Painting Competition, Declamation Competition, Cleanliness Drive, One Man Kishtie Race, Three Men Kishtie Race, Five Men Kishtie Race and Three Women Kishtie Race. “Apart from these competitions, a multitude of activities geared towards generating awareness in various fields will also be organised to include folk songs & dance, environmental awareness, traditional fishing skills etc”.
Officials said for the first time girls of Bandipora have also shown willingness to wholeheartedly participate in the events and they are being given full opportunity to do so with unique events specifically targeted towards girls to include Marathon and Kishtie Race in addition to open events.
He said the festival will impact people from all walks of life and age groups with total numbers estimated to be in several hundreds. It will generate awareness about the immense tourism as well as sports potential of the Wular Lake and provide opportunities to the local populace to harness it for the upliftment of the socio-economic fabric in the adjoining areas.
On the first day of this amazing festival, Men's Marathon and Women's Marathon were flagged off by Commander 3 Sector RR from Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium and Watpura respectively. A total of 133 girls participated in the Women's Marathon while 421 boys took part in the Men's Marathon.
“The enthusiasm and zeal with which the youth participated sheds a reassuring light on their inclination towards positive activities as well as the Army. Apart from this, Declamation Competitions for children of all age groups were also organised in local schools to include AGS, Bandipora,” he added.
In addition, Wular Sanitization Drive was also organised at Laharwalpura Ghat wherein approximately 530 locals participated.
