SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is gearing up to host a grand New Year celebration in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg to welcome 2024 with splendour.
This year, the department has enlisted local celebrities from Kashmir to captivate tourists and locals in these three picturesque destinations.
In Gulmarg, the focal point of New Year celebrations, Kashmiri singers Aabha Hanjura, Adil Gurezi, and Afaq Shafi are set to perform at the Golf Course.
“The tourism department has invited me to the beautiful valley of Kashmir. I will be performing with my band on 31st December to celebrate the New Year with all of you,” said Aabha Hanjura of ‘Hukus Bukus’ fame in a promotional video.
Adil Gurezi, known for his rendition of ‘Dupt’e Nyunem Dal ki Wawan,’ expressed his excitement about performing on New Year’s Eve in Gulmarg. “I am super excited to perform on 31st December at Gulmarg,” he said in the promotional video.
Afaq Shafi, who recently made it through the audition of Indian Idol, will also perform at Gulmarg to enchant visitors.
Notably, Gulmarg is fully booked for New Year, with hotels reporting 100 per cent occupancy.
On New Year’s Eve, the department plans to host laser sound and light shows, in addition to the musical night at Gulmarg.
Apart from the department’s arrangements, hoteliers have also made special provisions for gala dinners and musical nights for tourists in Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
In Pahalgam, Kashmiri singers Ishfaq Kawa, IBM Band, Rasik, and Kohinoor band will perform at Pahalgam Club on December 31 to mark the beginning of the new year.
The highlight of the show will be IBM – Irfan, Bilal, and Mehmeet, who have been touring the world to promote Kashmiri music.
In Sonmarg, which will remain open to tourists this winter, the New Year celebration has also been planned by the tourism department.
In addition to live music, ice skating is scheduled to captivate both tourists and locals visiting the destination.
An official from the tourism department mentioned that these events have been scheduled due to the influx of tourists on New Year’s Eve.
“Scores of tourists have visited the valley to celebrate the New Year. These events are expected to be a testament to the resilience and spirit of the region, inviting travellers to experience the unparalleled beauty of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. (KNO)
