Gool Mela highlights region’s potential as emerging tourist destination

 
In Jammu and Kashmir, in a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage and tourism, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in collaboration with district administration Ramban, organized a one-day Gool Mela on Sunday at the picturesque Narsingha area amidst the lush green meadows of Gool Sub-Division. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the cultural festival witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than ten thousand people thronging the venue from across Ramban and Reasi districts. The mela transformed the scenic destination into a vibrant hub of cultural festivities, attracting tourists, locals, youth and families alike. Organized with the objective of promoting the immense tourism potential of the region, the mela served as a platform to showcase the rich cultural diversity, traditional heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of Gool and its adjoining areas while highlighting the region’s potential as an emerging tourist destination. A major attraction of the mela was the array of stalls established by various government departments, local entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups and artisans. Vibrant displays of local handicrafts, handloom products and traditional artefacts drew significant public interest and highlighted the rich craftsmanship of the region. Food stalls offering authentic local delicacies and traditional cuisines remained crowded throughout the day, providing visitors with a glimpse of the area’s rich culinary heritage. The mela provided an excellent platform for local artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs to showcase and market their products while promoting local livelihoods and rural tourism. MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen highlighted the vast tourism potential of Gool and Banihal areas and emphasized the need for sustained efforts to develop the region as a major tourist destination. He lauded the efforts of the Directorate of Tourism Jammu for organizing the mela and creating opportunities for promoting local culture, handicrafts, traditional art forms and scenic attractions. Director Tourism Jammu highlighted the promotional initiatives being undertaken in Tourism Department under the leadership of Chief Minister.   He said the Tourism department is actively identifying and developing new tourist destinations across the Jammu especially offbeat destinations like Gool, Neeltop, Margantop, Mohu Valley, Tattapani to diversify tourism offerings and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. He assured continued support for promoting the tourism potential of Ramban district and strengthening tourism infrastructure in emerging destinations.