Analysis Of Yojana Magazine(September 2022): J&K as a Preferred Tourist Destination

Yojana Magazine is a very important and indispensable source for UPSC Civil Services Exam Preparation. Here, we come with ”Analysis Of Yojana Magazine” which covers the monthly Yojana Magazine keeping in mind the demand of UPSC, particularly from the topics of important government schemes.

In ‘‘Analysis Of Yojana Magazine,” we cover each and every topic of the Yojana edition of a particular month and provide an easy-to-understand gist.

This topic-wise analysis is prepared from the Septeber 2022 edition of the monthly Yojana Magazine.

Introduction

• According to statistics of the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department, March 2022 broke the 10-year tourist arrival record in Kashmir, signalling that the tourism industry is finally on the path to recovery.
• As per the Union tourism ministry, around 1.42 lakh tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir during February 2022 alone, breaking the seven-year record.
• Remarkably, on April 4 this year, the Srinagar International Airport recorded busiest day ever in history, with 15,014 people travelling on 90 flights in and out of Kashmir.

What J&K Administration is doing?

• The Jammu and Kashmir government is adopting best practices recognising the uniqueness of each village and showcasing the landscapes, indigenous knowledge systems, cultural diversity and heritage, local values and traditions, besides encouraging film shooting and offering financial incentives as well as ensuring a digital platform to all these villages.
• The J&K administration is giving special focus on the tourism sector, and the region has started witnessing significant growth in terms of increased number of tourists and creation of tourism-related infrastructure.
• A dedicated focus is also being laid on bringing unexplored religious places of Jammu on the religious tourist map to attract more tourists.
• Jammu and Kashmir have the highest allocation at a state level across India under the the total amount granted in 6 Swadesh Darshan Scheme, close to 10% of total sanctioned amount.

What is J&K Tourist Village Network under Mission Youth?

• This is a scheme to boost adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The initiative is aimed at transforming 75 villages of the UT known for historical, picturesque beauty, and cultural significance into tourist villages.
• The youth-led sustainable tourism initiative will strengthen rural economy and community entrepreneurship, empowering youth and women by providing direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Potential of J&K as a Tourism Destination

• Jammu & Kashmir is a destination for leisure, Adventure, Eco, Wedding, films and MICE Tourism.
• Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of having a multifaceted, variegated and unique cultural blend, making it distinct from the rest of the country, not only from the different cultural forms and heritage, but from geographical, demographically, ethical, social entities, forming a distinct spectrum of diversity and diversions into Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, all professing diverse religion, language and culture, but continuously intermingling, making it vibrant specimens of Indian Unity amidst diversity.
• Its different cultural forms like art and architecture, fair and festivals, rites and rituals, seer and sagas, language and mountains, embedded in ageless period of history, speak volumes of unity and diversity with unparalleled cultural cohesion and cultural service.
• Like the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar too has a distinctive blend of cultural heritage. Holy places in and around the city depict the historical cultural and religious diversity of the city as well as the Kashmir valley.

Some Attractions of J&K

Tulip Garden

• The Tulip garden of Kashmir is a unique tourism site which has featured in several Indian films has the potential of attracting tourists from all over the world. It is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 30 hectares. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake. The garden was opened in 2007 with the aim to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley. The best time to visit the Tulip Garden is between March-end and early April.

Bhand Pather

It is a traditional folk theatre style combination of play and dance in a satirical style where social traditions , evils are depicted and performed in various social and cultural functions. Bhand Jashan is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their traditional style accompanied by light music for the entertainment of people.

Chakri

It is the most popular form of Kashmiri folk music. It has some resemblance with chakra of mountaineous regions of Uttar Pradesh. Normally Garaha, Sarangi, and Rabab were the musical instruments used in the past. But now the harmonium too has made its way in its presentation.

Sufiana Music

Sufiana Music came to Kashmir from Iran in the 15th century. Over the years it has established itself as the classical music form of Kashmir and has incorporated a number of Indian Ragas in its body. Hafiz Nagma in fact, used to be part of sofiana music. The instruments used in this form are Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool or Tabala. In Hafiz Nagma a dancer is a female while her accompanists on various instruments are males. Hafiza moves her feet on musical notes.

Role of Film Policy of J&k 2021 in Tourism Development

• The Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) has taken several initiatives to promote the UT as a leading destination for shooting and production of all feature and non-feature content films, digital content and television shows.
• According to the Film Policy, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is identifying catalogue and developing promising potential shooting locations that have aesthetic and cinematic appeal.
• These locations will be developed in synergy with the Tourism Department and private investors.
• The Policy also lays thrust on harnessing the local talent in the field of movie making in J&K and creation of employment opportunities for the youth in the field.
• Opening avenues for the youth, the framing of Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy has now made it very convenient for the region’s talent to work in the film industry.
• While promoting the scenic beauty of the union territory (UT), the policy envisages providing a platform for the local talent to prove themselves on the national level.

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