Pulwama, Jan 18: Chaki-Badri Nath (C B Nath), a remote village nestled within the serene forests of Romeshi range in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, was abuzz with excitement as it hosted a one-day winter carnival on Saturday.
The event, the first of its kind in this offbeat destination, drew a large crowd, including children, youth, and the elderly, all eager to participate in the various activities.
The carnival featured an array of fun-filled events such as snow running, cultural performances, music, snow cricket, snow kabaddi, and tug of war, offering something for everyone.
Villagers enthusiastically took part, with many experiencing snow sports for the first time.
Among the participants was Mohammad Sabir Sheikh, an elderly villager who thoroughly enjoyed racing on the snow-covered ground.
“We are very happy with the organisation of this carnival in our village,” he said, expressing his delight at the unique experience.
He urged the government to promote C B Nath as a tourist destination, citing its unparalleled beauty.
Abdul Rehman Mir, another elderly villager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for tourism to generate employment opportunities for local youth.
“The beauty of C B Nath is unique,” he said, advocating for more such events to boost the village’s profile.
Anzar Gulzar, a young participant from Mitrigam village, found playing cricket on a snow-covered pitch particularly enjoyable. “It was a new experience that I thoroughly enjoyed,” he said, calling for regular winter activities to combat seasonal inactivity.
Chaudhary Mohammad Qasim, District Officer for Youth Services and Sports Pulwama, explained that the carnival was organised in collaboration with the district administration to engage youth constructively.
He praised the untouched beauty of C B Nath and expressed hopes for its promotion as a tourist spot.
“We have been organising such events in different remote areas of Pulwama for the past three years,” Qasim said, noting the large scale of this year’s carnival.
He announced plans for future events to encourage local youth to pursue snow sports at a national level.
