Peerzada Zubair
Gurez (J&K), September 14: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the civil administration, is promoting the cultural heritage, history and tourism potential of Gurez Valley through initiatives including the Sheena Cultural Centre, a laser and light show and the Tulail Café.
The Sheena Cultural Centre has been established by the Indian Army to preserve and showcase the cultural heritage, traditions, language and history of Gurez.
Local tourist guide Aijaz Ahmad said the centre was constructed in 90 days and has seven rooms dedicated to different aspects of the region’s heritage, including linguistics, traditional clothing, textiles, artefacts and local traditions.
“Sheena is one of the main languages spoken in this region, while the local community is known as the Dard tribe. The main objective of this museum is to preserve the rich culture, heritage, traditions and history of Gurez and pass them on to future generations,” Aijaz said.
He said the region has historical links with Dardistan and the wider Dardic cultural and linguistic belt extending across parts of the northwestern Himalayas.
According to Aijaz, the cultural centre also highlights historical references to the region, including those found in works such as the Nilamata Purana, Mahabharata and Rajatarangini of Kalhana.
He said the centre documents the influence of Buddhism and other cultures, the spread of Islam in the region, and Gurez’s association with historical figures including Yusuf Shah Chak and poetess Habba Khatoon.
The centre also showcases the region’s links with historical trade routes, including the Silk Route, and features information about the Kishanganga River and the introduction of trout to the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army and civil administration have established a laser and light show in Gurez to showcase the valley’s history, culture and traditions.
The attraction includes a laser-light display, Gurez Kitchen showcasing local cuisine, a Machan for photography and live music highlighting the cultural identity of the region.
The initiatives are aimed at providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the natural and cultural heritage of Gurez while supporting border tourism.
In Tulail Valley of Bandipora district, the Indian Army’s Tulail Café initiative is providing livelihood opportunities to local youth and promoting locally made and organic products, including Black Zeera, Tulail Honey, Bulb, Handicrafts, Packaged Drinking Water, Beans, Potatoes, among others.
Nissar Ahmad, a local resident of Mazgaon associated with the café, said the initiative has provided a platform for local people to showcase their products and participate in the growing tourism sector.
“I am working here and exploring our local products. I would request people from across Kashmir to visit this place. The Indian Army has provided a very good facility by establishing this café,” Nisar Ahmad said.
He said tourism in Tulail was gradually increasing and the café was helping local people promote their products among visitors including domestic and international tourists.
Local visitor Irfan Malik, who travelled to Gurez from Kupwara, appreciated the efforts of Indian Army to promote border tourism and showcase the region’s natural beauty, Culture, tradition and heritage.
“We have been in Gurez Valley for the past two days. Gurez is an extremely beautiful valley and attracts many visitors. Since the Indian Army and District Administration started promoting border tourism, not only Gurez but other border areas such as Keran, Karnah and Machil have also received a major boost in tourism providing livelihood opportunities to unemployed youth,” Irfan said.
He said cultural programmes such as the laser and light show were giving visitors an opportunity to learn about Gurez’s history and traditions.
“This is a very positive sign for Kashmir. People from across India and abroad should visit Kashmir, explore its natural beauty and spend quality time here to explore off-beat tourist destinations,” Malik said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and security forces for their efforts towards improving connectivity, developing border areas and promoting tourism and local culture.
