Gurez, Aug 06 (KNO): The serene Gurez Valley remained abuzz with excitement during the two-day National Tribal Festival, celebrating the rich culture and traditions of the Dard-Shina tribal community, which locals saw as a key step toward promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
While locals celebrated the event as a promising beginning, they called for continued efforts to improve the Valley’s infrastructure and other facilities to fully unlock its tourism potential.
"The festival is a great initiative. It brings the attention of the country to our culture and the beauty of Gurez," Shahnawaz Ahmad, a resident of the valley told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
"However, there are still many things that need to be done. The roads are in bad shape, and we need more medical facilities. It’s a start, but we need sustained efforts."
One of the unique aspects of this year’s event was the approach taken to highlight the valley’s cultural warmth. Guests, including officials and participants from other states, were invited to stay with local families instead of hotels.
The aim was to offer visitors an authentic experience of Gurez’s hospitality. "Staying with a local family is a different experience altogether. You get to understand their way of life, their food, and the true essence of the region," shared Rohit Verma, a participant from South India, who was hosted by a local family.
Guests were treated to organic Gurez delicacies, including fresh herbs, vegetables
"The food here is amazing! I’ve never tasted anything like this before. It’s an honor to be part of this festival," said Parul Soni, another guest.
Gurez's strategic location, bordering Pakistan, and its pristine natural beauty make it an untapped gem for tourism. "We are hopeful that this festival will open the eyes of the world to our unique culture and the potential for tourism in the region," said Bilal Khan, a local guide. "But we need better roads, connectivity, and accommodations to accommodate the influx of tourists."
The event also served as an opportunity for the Dard-Shina tribe to showcase their vibrant traditions, including folk dances, traditional music, and handicrafts. "Our culture is our pride, and we want to share it with the world. But we need the government to support us in building infrastructure," said Amina Begum, a local artisan.
While the festival was a significant step forward, the valley's residents believe it is just the beginning. They hope that the government will follow through with long-term plans to improve Gurez's tourism facilities, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and thriving destination for years to come.
"The valley has so much potential," said Gulzar Ahmad, a former teacher in Gurez. "We just need the right infrastructure to turn it into a tourist hotspot. This festival is a great start, and we hope more is done for us."—(KNO)