The vibrant Derajat Festival commenced in Dera Ismail Khan, bursting with excitement and cultural fervour. The opening ceremony at Ratta Kulachi Stadium showcased a rich tapestry of cultural games, traditional music, delectable food, art exhibitions, and grand fireworks displays. Visitors were treated to puppet shows, Taekwondo competitions, and insightful information on local tourism and cultural heritage.
Nestled within the festivities was the Mina Bazaar, a treasure trove for women and children, featuring musical performances, enchanting Saraiki Jhoomer dances, delightful magic acts, and lively children’s games. Spectacular parades, cattle shows, entertaining PT shows, thrilling tent pegging competitions, and livestock exhibitions heightened the festival’s ambiance, complemented by captivating horse riding displays and remarkable march pasts.
In a bid to enlighten attendees, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) set up a Tourism Information Desk, providing brochures on the province’s picturesque destinations along with 3D maps of Hazara and Malakand divisions. The archaeology desk further enriched the experience with brochures and literature about historically significant sites.
Member National Assembly Faisal Amin Gandapur visited the information desks during the opening. Saeed Khan, the deputy manager for Tourist Information Centres at KPCTA, enthusiastically welcomed the visitors and shared insights into various tourist attractions and current projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gandapur praised the KPCTA for recognising the province’s tourism potential, announcing that a waiver of royalty fees for mountaineers at the Tirich Mir summit was under consideration. This initiative is expected to significantly elevate international tourism and attract climbers from around the globe, particularly to Chitral.
The Derajat Festival has launched in Dera Ismail Khan, featuring cultural games, food, and traditional music. The Mina Bazaar showcased various activities for women and children, alongside a Tourism Information Desk highlighting provincial tourist spots. MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur acknowledged the KPCTA’s efforts and mentioned a proposed royalty fee waiver for climbers, aiming to enhance tourism.
Through its splendid combination of activities and cultural showcases, the Derajat Festival serves as an important platform for promoting tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With vital initiatives like the waiver of mountaineering fees at Tirich Mir, the potential for international tourism is set to flourish, highlighting the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. The festival not only celebrates local culture but also paves the way for economic opportunities through tourism.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
