Gulmarg set to celebrate freezing New Year’s Eve

SRINAGAR: New Year’s Eve celebrations started late last evening in the star snowy attraction of Kashmir, Gulmarg with thousands of tourists from mainland India and abroad thronging the tourism rich place.

Gulmarg witnessed heavy snowfall last week, encouraging tourists to celebrate New Year in the “meadow of flowers”.

“All the hotels are full and many tourists are seen pleading officials to let them stay in government owned huts,” an official of the tourism department said.

The private sector Hotels have made special arrangements for tourists by arranging different musical, cultural programs.

“We have arranged a cultural program for the tourists who are staying in our hotel,” said manager of one of the hotels, adding that others can also attend the show by purchasing tickets.

Besides foreigners, many locals have also thronged the place to celebrate the New Year programs organised by different groups.

“I along with my friends reached here at noon today and we are expecting a huge party tonight. It’s a different feeling to celebrate it here, though I have celebrated it in many states in past,” said Zahir Shah, a corporate manager, over phone.

Music group Parvaaz-e-Kashmir decided to go ahead with New Year’s show in Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir) despite objection from separatists. Band member, Nasir Khan said the main motive of this show is to give opportunities to young talent in Kashmir.

Earlier today, “National Ice Skating Championship” was kick started by Department of Tourism. Nearly 120 participants participated from 18 different states from mainland India including the local skaters, an official said.

However, no New Year program has been organised by the Tourism department.

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