The District Administration Kishtwar, in collaboration with Kishtwar Development Authority (KDA), Directorate of Tourism Jammu, and Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art,Culture & Languages (JKAACL) celebrated the Devigol Festival in the picturesque Bunjwah area of Kishtwar district amid great enthusiasm and public participation.
The event, held on Sunday, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of more than 10,000 individuals who reveled in a blend of traditional Sports (Dangal), cultural performances, and recreational activities amidst the breathtaking natural beauty.
Several government agencies and organizations, including the Indian Army,Ratle Hydro Electric Power Project, District Youth Services and Sports Department Kishtwar,RDD,Revenue,Forest Department, and the All Sports Association Bounjwah besides the locals played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the festival.
The event was formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav IAS, in the presence of dignitaries, including SSP Kishtwar Khalil Ahmed Poswal-JKPS, DDC member Aemina Banno,BDCs, ADC Kishtwar Inderjeet Singh Parihar, CEO KDA Dr. Rishi Sharma, Tehsildar Bunjwah Tejinder Sharam, BDO Bounjwah Sonia Parihar, DIO Kuldeep Kumar, DYSSO Kishtwar Kharati Lal Sharma besides Gulab Saifi of JKAACL and other PRIs.
The Devigol Festival attracted people from all walks of life hailing from Earstwhile Chenab Valley including Kishtwar,Doda,Thatri,Drabshalla, Bhallesa etc and providing them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the serenity of the season amidst the pine and Cedrus trees and rolling meadows of the region.
This festival represents the collective efforts of the Administration, PRIs,KDA,Ratle HEP, Indian Army ,Cultural Academy and Local Citizens to unlock the tourism potential of the lesser-explored tourist destinations in Kishtwar district. Earlier this year, the district administration, in collaboration with the Tourism Department and KDA, successfully organized the Sinthan Festival, which drew over 16,000 visitors.
The Devigol Festival now stands as the second most appreciated extravaganza for this year in view of Kishtwar’s growing appeal as a tourist destination following Sinthan.
The Devigol Festival featured an array of attractions, including Dangal, Sports, trekking adventures, dance performances, musical showcases, local cuisine, and more.
The major attraction of the festival was the Dangal (Traditional Wrestling),which Steals the Show, witnessed an exhilarating display of traditional wrestling.
Wrestlers hailing from Punjab, various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kathua, showcased their incredible skills.
The Dangal competition, featuring a generous prize of 1 Lakh.The success of the Dangal competition was a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Dangal Organizing Committee, the active participation of local Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and the support of public leaders.Their unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in making this traditional wrestling spectacle a resounding success.
The Dangal event not only entertained the audience but also celebrated the rich cultural heritage and sporting traditions of the region. It brought together wrestlers from different backgrounds, promoting unity through the shared love of the sport and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.
The Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar expressed his appreciation for the Dangal competitors and organizers, recognizing their dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional sports that are an integral part of Kishtwar’s identity.
