Bilal Ahmed Ganderbal, January 01:
Sonamarg, the world-famous tourist destination draped in snow-capped peaks and sub-zero temperatures, bid farewell to 2023 and welcomed 2024 with unparalleled enthusiasm during the first-ever Two-Day New Year Festival, concluding today.
The festivities kicked off with a grand inauguration ceremony featuring local dignitaries, cultural performances, and a diverse array of traditional and contemporary activities. Against the backdrop of snow-capped meadows, Sonamarg became the canvas for an unforgettable experience marked by dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky and rhythmic beats echoing through the golden meadows.
The main event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir, along with Additional District Development Commissioner, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani, and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Gulzar Ahmad. Tourists from various corners of the country, captivated by Sonamarg’s winter charm, enthusiastically participated in fun-filled activities, including bonfires and fireworks.
The entire locale transformed into a festive spectacle with vibrant illuminations, hosting a series of functions to entertain both tourists and local visitors. The New Year day celebrations, held in Sonamarg’s open meadow, witnessed massive participation from tourists, locals, and officials of the district administration and Tourism department.
The festival showcased performances in music, dance, and dramas, captivating audiences and bidding an affectionate farewell to 2023. The two-day New Year Festival, organized by the District Administration in collaboration with the Tourism Department, aimed to celebrate the scenic beauty of Sonamarg and position it as a premier winter destination. Both locals and tourists applauded the district administration for their effective promotion and publicity efforts, contributing to Sonamarg’s rising stature as a winter retreat.
