Budgam, Dec 01: The day-long Tosa Maidan festival was held at Sitaharan, Budgam on Wednesday. The festival was jointly organised by District Administration Budgam, Tourism Department and Tourism Development Authority, Tosa Maidan.

Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Dr. Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza and Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo jointly inaugurated the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Dr. Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza said that the District Administration shall take all necessary steps to develop infrastructure, promote and explore Tosa Maidan as a new tourist destination which will eventually help to boost local economy.

He said the overwhelming response of people to the festival has inspired us a lot and in future such events shall be continued and celebrated to promote Tosa Maidan as a new and attractive tourist destination. He also thanked the artists for presenting various cultural items during the festival.

Director Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G. N. Itoo on the occasion hailed the tremendous response shown by the public who had gathered in huge numbers. He said the Department has identified 75 new tourist destinations which are to be explored and promoted in the tourism market.

The Director Tourism further said that Tosa Maidan has a vast potential to emerge as a famous and attractive Tourist destination and in this regard the Tourism Department will leave no stone unturned in ensuring increased Tourist footfall in the area. He urged the tour travel fraternity and public of the area to come forward and cooperate in promoting Tosa Maidan as the new tourist destination.

Variety cultural programmes which were performed in the festival included traditional folk dance, rouf, Qawwali, Ladi shah etc. The performers enthralled the audience on the occasion.

The event was also marked by flagging off of Bike, Cycle and Jeep Rally. A Horse riding rally was also flagged off in which local Ponnywalas participated. A painting competition was held with the theme on Conservation of Ecology and Environment by the Education Department.