A first of its kind Tribal Winter Festival was held in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir recently. Organised by the district administration in collaboration with various departments at Ketson, the festival witnessed huge public participation.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Owais Ahmed said the festival highlighted the customs and traditions of tribals and also assured development of sports infrastructure in the area to engage the local youth.
The festival witnessed music, dance, and cultural events that left the people enthralled, the spokesperson said. People from the Kashmiri community, Gujjars and Bakerwals danced together to the beats of dhol (drum) in a unique portrayal of cultural unity in diversity, he said.
The ‘gatka’ was another attraction performed by two tribal communities portraying the fighting spirit of the Gujjars amid all geographic, social and political odds.