JAMMU, JANUARY 13: In a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and empowerment, the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission marked the festival of Lohri with women Self-Help Groups from across Jammu Division. The event was held at Duggarani-A, where key dignitaries including Member Legislative Assembly Suchetgarh, Prof. Garu Ram Bhagat; Mission Director of JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma; and Deputy Commandant BSF Pardeep Kumar graced the occasion.
As part of the festivities, women from SHGs showcased their culinary skills by serving freshly prepared Dogri delicacies to visitors at the Octroi Post in Suchetgarh. The event attracted tourists from across the nation who had gathered to witness the grand Lohri parade, offering them an authentic taste of the rich Dogri culture.
The celebration blended traditional customs with modern activities, featuring cultural performances, Lohri rituals, and exhibitions. Stalls were set up to highlight the unique crafts, handmade products, and culinary specialties created by SHG members. This vibrant display not only celebrated the creativity of these women but also provided them with a platform to present their entrepreneurial ventures to a wider audience.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Shubhra Sharma, Mission Director of JKRLM, emphasised the significance of such initiatives in fostering unity, resilience, and economic growth among rural women. “Lohri is a festival that celebrates togetherness and our cultural roots. Today, as we celebrate this occasion with our women Self-Help Groups, we not only honor their hard work but also reaffirm our commitment to empowering rural women in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Dr. Sharma further added that empowering women goes beyond providing opportunities—it is about building a supportive community where women can uplift one another. “When women come together, they can achieve extraordinary things. Today’s celebration is a perfect example of that unity,” she noted.
The event brought together numerous SHG members, reinforcing the shared goals of empowerment, economic development, and self-reliance. Through JKRLM’s ongoing initiatives, women entrepreneurs from rural areas are gaining the tools and support needed to thrive.
The Lohri celebrations underscored the Mission’s vision of fostering self-reliance and improving livelihoods in rural Jammu and Kashmir. The energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie displayed by the participants highlighted the transformative impact of women’s collective efforts and the enduring significance of community-driven festivals.