Mega fest, walkathon mark World Tourism Day celebrations at Mansar

Jammu, Sep 27: World Tourism Day was celebrated with unmatched zeal and gaiety at the enchanting Mansar Lake, where the serene waters and scenic grandeur provided a perfect backdrop for a day of festivity on Saturday.

The celebrations commenced with the inauguration of a mega festival and walkathon by MLA Udhampur East R. S. Pathania.

The event was meticulously organised by the Directorate of Tourism in collaboration with the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority, the Wildlife Department and other allied agencies.

From cultural performances by local artists to poster-making competitions, boat rallies, adventure sports and a spirited walkathon aimed at promoting tourism awareness, the day-long programme unfolded as a vibrant showcase of Mansar’s ecological charm and cultural richness.

In his address to a distinguished gathering of students, academicians, teachers, eminent citizens and members of civil society, Pathania spoke with reverence about the unique stature of Mansar as a site of religion, history and natural splendour.

He also spoke about the ongoing developmental initiatives designed to transform Mansar into a world-class tourist hub. “A Rs 200 Cr tourism promotion project under the Swadesh Darshan scheme is already taking shape to enhance facilities and infrastructure at Surinsar-Mansar. Furthermore, the Rs 2,400 Cr Samba–Udhampur road project via Mansar–Battal promises to redefine connectivity and open up unprecedented opportunities for tourism and economic growth. Alongside these, plans for a dedicated road link from Jammu to Mansar via Surinsar are being conceptualised to further ease access for pilgrims and tourists alike,” Pathania stated.

He described Mansar not merely as a lake but as a living heritage site revered since antiquity.

“The narratives, woven deeply into the cultural fabric of the land, elevate Mansar into a site of extraordinary spiritual and historical importance where mythology, divinity and natural beauty converge in harmony,” the BJP MLA noted.

Pathania reflected further on the symbolic message of Mansar, portraying it as an enduring emblem of the Indian ethos where faith and nature co-existed in balance. The tranquil waters, the sacred shrines dotting its landscape and the timeless legends connected with it, he said, collectively represented the mantras of peaceful coexistence, sustainable living and spirituality. He urged the youth and students to absorb these civilisational values into their lives and carry them forward as torchbearers of a strong, vibrant and resurgent India.

The festivities drew enthusiastic participation from the local community, ex-Panchayat members and dignitaries. The formal proceedings began with a warm welcome address by Aijaz Qaiser, Deputy Director, Tourism, and concluded with a vote of thanks by D S Katoch, CEO of the Surinsar–Mansar Development Authority.