SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Jammu and Kashmir pavilion at Bharat Parv in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where traditional handicrafts, handlooms, local produce and emerging tourist destinations of the Union Territory were showcased.
During the visit, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta briefed the Prime Minister on the pavilion’s theme and the range of cultural attractions, indigenous products and tourism opportunities being promoted by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department.
Modi showed interest in several products displayed at the pavilion and enquired about Basohli paintings, Sulai honey, garlic and Rajma from the Jammu region, besides walnuts, saffron, Pashmina and Kani shawls from Kashmir.
The pavilion featured products under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, highlighting the traditional crafts and agricultural produce associated with different districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
A live demonstration of Sozni embroidery by renowned artisan Gulab Gilani was among the major attractions, offering visitors an insight into the intricate craftsmanship behind Kashmir’s traditional embroidered textiles. The cultural programme also featured a Santoor performance by Kashmiri artist Younis Majid.
The Tourism Department used the platform to promote lesser-explored destinations in both regions. These included Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Basohli-Sarthal, Panchari and the seven lakes of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region, while Gurez Valley, Bangus and Yousmarg were highlighted among Kashmir’s emerging tourism destinations.
Officials said the promotion of relatively unexplored locations was intended to diversify tourism circuits, encourage longer stays, support local communities and generate economic opportunities across the Union Territory.
The pavilion also highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s potential in adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, rural and nature-based tourism.
The participation was organised under the guidance of Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa and Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), Akriti Sagar.
General Manager JKTDC Srinagar Altaf Hussain Bhat, Assistant Director Tourism Jammu Vishal Sadhotra and Manager JKTDC Srinagar Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat were also present during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Artists and artisans participating in the event thanked the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Tourism Department for providing them with an opportunity to display their work on a national platform.
During his two-day visit to Gujarat, Modi launched and inaugurated development projects and laid foundation stones for works worth more than Rs 14,000 crore. He also addressed events in Banaskantha and Ekta Nagar.
