Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat, LG Sinha to attend Amar Mahal Museum’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations

Mela on March 9 set to win hearts by unveiling ‘treasure trove’ of local folk & food

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Union Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha are scheduled to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations commemorating 50 years of the Amar Mahal Museum in Jammu.
Established in 1975 by Dr. Karan Singh and inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the museum has been a beacon of J&K’s rich cultural heritage.
This year’s festivities, scheduled from March 7 to 9, 2025, will feature the third edition of the Tawi Festival and Mela, organized by the Hari Tara Charitable Trust (HTCT) and the erstwhile Dogra Royal Family of Jammu & Kashmir.
Hosted at the historic Amar Mahal Palace, the event promises to offer an immersive experience into the art, culture, and traditions of the region.
Martand Singh, Trustee of HTCT and grandson of Dr. Karan Singh, informed that LG Manoj Singh will mark his presence on the first day of Festival while the Union Minister Union Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the Mela on the third day i.e, March 9, 2025 at Amar Mahal Jammu.
He highlighted the significance of this year’s festival, noting that it coincides with the museum’s Golden Jubilee. He expressed pride in Amar Mahal’s evolution over the past five decades into a symbol of tourism, art, culture, heritage, history, and the Dogra legacy of Jammu & Kashmir.
He informed that the three-day festival will encompass seminars, workshops, and talks, providing a platform for intellectuals, artists, and entrepreneurs to engage and celebrate the region’s cultural wealth. Attendees can anticipate mesmerizing folk music, dance performances, and satirical local acts that reflect the unique storytelling traditions of Jammu & Kashmir. Live performances by local bands will further energize the atmosphere, showcasing the dynamic spirit of the region’s performing arts.
Culinary enthusiasts will have the opportunity to indulge in authentic local delicacies and popular street foods at a bustling food court, offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Additionally, the Mela will feature stalls selling special Golden Jubilee commemorative items, books, and paintings celebrating the vibrant culture of Jammu & Kashmir. Organizations like the Dogri Sanstha and J&K’s Cultural Academy will also showcase their extensive collections of books, providing deeper insights into the region’s literature and arts.
The core team orchestrating the Tawi Festival 3 includes esteemed individuals such as Prof. Lalit Gupta, Sarishti Sawhney (INTACH Jammu), Arvind Kotwal (INTACH Jammu), Suman Gupta, Jyoti Gupta, Abhiney Gupta (HOD Architecture, SMVDU), Rajinder Tikoo, Lalit Magotra, Rakesh Sharma (IMFA), Sumeet Sharma (Cultural Academy), Sohan Bilawria, Dhara Mayavat, Shimona Bhadwal, and Tapaswi Slathia.
The festival has garnered support from various sponsors, including the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Luthra Group, Pal Kia, Pal Infra, Pal SVAM, and NIIT, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting the region’s cultural legacy.
Martand Singh said that this Golden Jubilee celebration not only marks a significant milestone for the Amar Mahal Museum but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural richness of Jammu & Kashmir.