STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the Raghunath Bazaar Business Association, organised vibrant Lohri Festival celebrations today at Raghunath Bazaar, one of the city’s prominent commercial hubs, showcasing the rich cultural traditions and festive spirit of the region.
Lohri, marking the culmination of the winter season, symbolises agrarian traditions, folk customs and collective celebration, and holds a special place in the cultural ethos of the Jammu region.
The event was attended by Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East, along with other distinguished guests. Senior officers of the Tourism Department present on the occasion included Director Tourism, Jammu, Vikas Gupta,; Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Aijaz Qaiser; Deputy Director Tourism (Publicity), Savita Chouhan; Deputy Director Tourism (Administration), Jammu, Pankaj Sasan; Deputy Director Tourism (Planning), Mamta Sharma; Assistant Director Tourism (Hqr), Vishal Sadhotra; Assistant Director Tourism, Katra, Rajesh Raina, and other tourism officials.
Sanjay Gupta, President, Raghunath Bazaar Business Association, while delivering the welcome address, highlighted the cultural significance of Lohri and extended warm greetings to all dignitaries, guests and participants. He emphasised the importance of collective engagement and community participation in celebrating and preserving Jammu’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from tourists, local residents and cultural enthusiasts, who gathered in large numbers to celebrate the traditional harvest festival, reflecting the region’s vibrant folk culture and strong community spirit.
The programme featured lively cultural performances, including traditional Chajja Dance, energetic dhol beating, and soulful musical presentations, which drew enthusiastic public response and added festive charm to the bustling market area.
The event was attended by the office bearers of the Raghunath Bazaar Traders’ Association, including Sanjay Gupta, President, and Amit Goel. The celebrations were also graced by the President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu, along with his team; representatives of the Kanak Mandi Association; Association of Lower Raghunath Bazaar; and members of the Raghunath Bazaar Businessmen Association, who appreciated the initiative of bringing cultural festivities to the heart of the city’s commercial hub.
Earlier, on January 10, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu organised Lohri Festival celebrations at Mubarak Mandi, where tourism stakeholders from across the Jammu Division actively participated and lauded the department’s efforts in promoting tourism and cultural heritage in the region. During the event, key stakeholders associated with the tourism sector were felicitated and honoured, while various associations expressed their gratitude for the department’s continued engagement and support.
The initiative forms part of the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu’s sustained efforts to promote cultural tourism and showcase the region’s traditional festivals, while providing an engaging platform for local artists and an enriching experience for tourists and the local community.