DDC Chairman, DC Doda review preparations for Winter Festival Bhaderwah

DODA, JANUARY 14: Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Doda, Dhananter Singh Kotwal along with Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh today chaired a comprehensive review meeting in the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex to finalize arrangements for the upcoming Winter Festival at Bhaderwah, scheduled to be held on January 17 and 18, 2026. The meeting was held in both offline and virtual modes with the participation of concerned district officers and key stakeholders. It was informed that the festival will be organized at Guldanda Bhaderwah on January 17, 2026 and at New Bus Stand Bhaderwah on January 18, 2026, with the objective of promoting tourism, local culture and youth-oriented initiatives across the district.
The meeting reviewed in detail the arrangements related to cultural programmes, logistics and tourist facilitation. It was informed that renowned Sufi singers along with local artists will perform during the festival to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region and encourage participation of local talent.
The festival would also serve as a platform to highlight the government-sponsored schemes for youth, with a focus on awareness generation and enrolment. Suggestions from line departments and local stakeholders regarding town beautification, promotion of tourist destinations, installation of informative signboards and effective publicity measures were discussed at length.
DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal issued specific directions for the beautification of the Chenab riverfront and asked for identification and development of attractive selfie points across the district to enhance tourist attraction and visibility of scenic locations.
The Deputy Commissioner issued several directions to ensure the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the festival. He directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply, proper sanitation, first-aid and ambulance services, fire safety arrangements, effective traffic management and timely road maintenance. Directions were also issued for the installation of LED screens, proper stage decoration, systematic installation of departmental and local stalls, promotion of adventure sports activities and wide publicity, including engagement of social media influencers. The DC further directed to compile complete details of all hotels and accommodation facilities in Bhaderwah and closely monitor the same to ensure proper arrangements, safety and convenience of tourists during the event. Display of emergency contact numbers prominently at festival venues was also emphasized.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner listened to the genuine issues and suggestions projected by hotel stakeholders and assured them of necessary support from the District Administration. He urged the members of the Hotel Association Bhaderwah to ensure safety, comfort and well-being of tourists and to extend full cooperation during the festival.
The DC also categorically directed all departments to maintain discipline, cleanliness and law and order to provide a pleasant experience to the visitors.
The meeting was attended by ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, ASP Headquarters Doda Mohammad Aslam, PO ICDS Doda Akhtar Hussain Qazi, DDC Members, district officers, representatives of the Hotel Association Bhaderwah and stakeholders from various line departments.