Pahari Ethnic Folk Festival Wraps Up in Ramban, Showcasing Culture and Boosting Eco‑Tourism

The last two days have been a whirlwind of colour, sound and scent in the sleepy meadow of Sunaseri (Guglidhar) – nestled in Pogal‑Paristan, Ramban district. The Pahari Ethnic Folk Festival, organized by the Pahari Ethnic Society together with the district administration, the Jammu tourism directorate and the state’s Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, finally drew to a close on Sunday, leaving behind a trail of happy faces and lingering melodies.

From the first morning drumbeat to the final evening folk‑song, locals and visitors alike swarmed the venue, tasting traditional Pahari delicacies, watching dancers twirl in bright‑hued shawls, and tapping their feet to the rhythm of the region’s age‑old instruments. Stalls dotted the green expanse, offering everything from steaming kettle‑boiled tea to sweet rice cakes – a culinary snapshot of the community’s heritage.

What made the festival more than just a cultural showcase was the unveiling of fresh tourism infrastructure. Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju, alongside Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and SSP Arun Gupta, cut the ceremonial ribbon on a set of eco‑log huts, newly built viewpoints, benches and well‑drained pathways. The Public Works (R&B) Department’s Rs 2.17 crore investment promises to make Sunsari a more comfortable spot for nature‑loving tourists, without upsetting the delicate ecology of the valley.

“It felt like a wonderful fair,” Deputy Commissioner Khan said, his voice echoing the enthusiasm of the crowd. “People were eager, stalls were brimming with local food, and the cultural programmes truly reflected our traditions.” His words captured the spirit that the organisers hoped to sustain – a living, breathing platform where the Pahari identity can be celebrated and preserved.

Beyond the music and food, the event aimed to put Pogal‑Paristan on the tourism map. By spotlighting the area’s natural beauty alongside its cultural wealth, the festival hopes to attract trekkers, photographers and curious travellers who want a genuine slice of Jammu‑Kashmir life.

As the final notes faded, the message was clear: festivals like this are not just about entertainment; they are a bridge linking heritage with future opportunities for the local community. The hope is that Sunaseri will see more such gatherings, each reinforcing the pride of the Pahari people while inviting the world to share in their story.