The Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival Unequivocally Positioned Bhedarwah as the Preferred Winter Tourist Destination.

To strengthen its position as a favoured winter tourist destination, consistent efforts and support are imperative. These endeavours will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in nurturing the ongoing development and acknowledgement of Bhaderwah as a flourishing tourist hub.

By Ramneek Manhas

Bhadarwah was abuzz with excitement as the vibrant five-day-long Bhadarwah festival began on 27^th December 2023 from the historic Runtagarh Fort, highlighting the cultural richness of the region and the festive spirit that drew crowds from across the country.
The collaborative efforts of the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, District Administration Doda, Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages and Bhadarwah Development Authority (BDA) had ensured a seamless blend of tradition and modernity at the festival. Visitors across the country enjoyed a myriad of activities showcasing the rich heritage of the region, from traditional dance performances to art exhibitions.
Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta JKAS,  while speaking to the author said “Under the visionary guidance of Secretary Tourism Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, IAS and supervision of Director Tourism Jammu Vivekananda Rai, it has been a continuous endeavour of the tourism Department to promote offbeat tourist destinations in the region. In continuation to these initiatives, a 5-days “Vibrant Bhadarwah Festival” was organized from December 27 to December 31, 2023, a historic event that celebrated the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Bhadarwah. The festival featured a vibrant mix of cultural activities, local performances, music and exciting adventure sports and has actively promoted tourism and local engagement thereby giving a boost to the economy of the area”, She added.
Sunaina Sharma Mehta underscored the Department’s initiatives aimed at positioning Bhadarwah as a key tourist destination concomitant with the tapping of tourism potential of all destinations across the region, through diverse strategies which include various competitions floated by the Ministry of Tourism, GoI viz. Best Tourism Village Competition, Best Homestay Competition, Travel for Life -Tourism for Tomorrow competition. She said that the Directorate is delivering extensive adventure & hospitality sector trainings to local youth, optimizing homestay registration efficiency, and collaborating with national tour operators to enhance travel services for tourists. In addition to that the Directorate is encouraging the locals and tourists to adopt sustainable tourism practices so that the Eco diversity of the area remains intact.
“In our quest to establish Bhadarwah as an attractive destination for weddings and MICE tourism, we are taking initiatives such as engaging media influencers and bloggers for coverage. Additionally, we are strategically distributing promotional materials across key Indian locations to maximize visibility. These collective efforts are set to enhance the attractiveness of Bhadarwah, creating substantial economic opportunities for the local community”, she added.
In a telephonic conversation with the author, DC Doda Harvinder Singh, IAS articulated a visionary commitment to shaping and transforming Bhadarwah into a multi-faceted destination. Beyond the preservation of cultural heritage and spiritual significance, DC Doda emphasized the strategic development of the region into an adventure tourism hub. This forward-thinking approach not only recognizes the diverse potential of Bhadarwah but also underscores the importance of attracting adventure enthusiasts. By integrating cultural richness, spiritual depth, and adventurous experiences, the initiative aims to position Bhadarwah as a holistic destination, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.
In order to boost the tourist inflow, the District Commissioner, while referring to the significance of Runtagarh Fort and Seoz Meadow, revealed that the district administration has proposed to submit a proposal to the government for setting up a Gondola to connect Seoz Meadow. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner also expressed the committed efforts of the Administration to rejuvenate the stature of Runtagarh Fort, underlining their collective effort to provide a more attractive and culturally enriching experience for the tourists visiting this dazzling hilly tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of the festival was the picturesque Snow Marathon Point Gurdanda, adorned with untouched snow, which created a magical atmosphere and attracted many visitors wishing to experience a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and adventure tourism.  The snow-covered scenery has become a must-see destination for the visitors.
Another attractive aspect came to the fore in the festival – Bhadarwah ‘s legendary ethnic cuisine.  The cuisines not only provided a delicious gastronomic experience but also highlighted the culinary diversity of the region through various food stalls.  Attendees had the opportunity to taste unique and delightful offerings, making the overall festival experience even better.
The Vibrant Bhadarwah Festival not only serves as a platform for cultural exchange but also contributes significantly to the local business. Small businesses and artisans showcase their craftsmanship, creating a vibrant marketplace within the festival grounds. This economic boost adds another layer of significance to the event, fostering community growth and sustainability. To strengthen its position as a favoured winter tourist destination, consistent efforts and support are imperative. These endeavors will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in nurturing the ongoing development and acknowledgement of Bhaderwah as a flourishing tourist hub. This not only bolsters the local economy but also enriches the experiences of those exploring its scenic landscapes and vibrant cultural offerings.