‘J’ can be joy in J&K

Vikram Sharma in Jammu

Much as you would like to know about Jammu, you’d tend to reach, as it were, only the ‘J’ of J&K. “The rest is Kashmir,” says a hotelier in disgust. Weighing in with him is a general sense of loss among others who think Jammu has been given short shrift at the expense of Kashmir. The common carp is despite Jammu being rich in history and beauty, the region has never got the government attention, enough to link up with the tourism circuit. 

That’s why when the state director of tourism decided to host a four-day Jammu cultural carnival this Baisakhi (April 13) — after a decade — there were too many questions, one was: is the government serious? Last year the festival was cancelled at the last moment and everybody had felt Jammu’s essential Dogra culture had been given the go-by. 

So, is there going to be something new, uncontroversial? “In fact, not much,” says Hari Om, a historian and chairman Jammu For India (JFI). “The recent budget allocation to both the regions of Jammu and Kashmir is a pointer. While Kashmir got the lion’s share of the development funding, Jammu received less than 10%.” 

The All Jammu Hotel and Lodges Association (AJHLA), one of the major stakeholders in the festival, too sounds diffident. “The authorities in Jammu do not have a vision to sell a project of the magnitude of Jammu Festival. The Jammu Division includes many unexplored tourist spots besides hundreds of religious and heritage sites. It is because of the tourism department’s lackluster attitude that the festival could not be held for ten years,” says Inderjeet Khajuria, president AJHLA.

The Jammu Division has a population of 53.50 lakh. Its claim to fame is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, visited by 90 lakh pilgrims annually. Historian Hari Om alleges ‘administrative mischief’ behind keeping Jammu a laggard. “In the given situation, where a gulf is sought be widened between Jammu and Kashmir, holding such a festival is nothing but a placatory exercise,” he said.

Director Tourism Shushma Chauhan seeks to clear the air. “We have taken all stakeholders into confidence. The festival has two messages: the region is a standalone tourist destination; and second, it is amalgam of varied artistic blends, though most participants are from the Jammu region. This ensures there are no grievances as was the case last year,” says Chauhan.

What’s it about?

The Jammu Festival got recognition in 2007-08 when Ghulam Nabi Azad was the chief minister. Director Tourism Shushma Chauhan says ‘Jammu as an Independent tourism destination’ will be four days of fun rich in entertainment and diverse food. “We have shortlisted at least 20 spots in and around Jammu as venues for dances, skits, songs and music. There will also be kiosks for food, books and dresses. Special invitees include Wadali Brothers and a couple of others from outside. The festival will be a combo presentation of the Jammu province with its traditional and exquisite representations,” says Chauhan.

Ten districts of the Jammu province, including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Bhaderwah, Ramban and Kishtwar, will take part in basic folk performances in groups or solo renderings despite little resources at their disposal.

Unlike previous themes that focused on performers from outside the state, this year’s festival will be purely based on intra-cultural pursuits. “Highlighting heritage points and tourist destinations will form the main part of the Festival,” says Chauhan. 

Thrill in the air

Rumalo Ram, a ‘Kud’ Dogra dance performer, says such festivals can help in reviving the vanishing art. “Jatar is another basic Dogra dance which is losing its glory. The festival will give us a chance to make this art popular,” said Ram. 

Bishen Dass, a famous Dogra cook, says though people have changed their tastes, “we can give them a chance to relish ‘maan-da-madra, babru, timbroo-di-Chutni, kyoor, ambal, bajarpang-di-Kheer and mithe chawal.” Bishen says stalls are being set up at various places.

Though celebrations will be confined within the Jammu city municipal limits covering Gandhinagar in the south and Old City in the north, the exhibits showcased in the four-day event will be a treasure trove of culture and heritage of Jammu brought from each nook and corner, says Chauhan.