Gurez, August 7, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the National Tribal Festival-2025 in the serene Gurez Valley, a two-day event celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of India’s tribal communities, particularly the Dard-Shina people. The festival, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 6, showcased captivating performances by tribal groups from across the country, reinforcing unity and mutual respect. Abdullah also flagged off commercial river rafting on the Kishanganga River, marking Gurez’s rise as a premier offbeat tourist destination for those who cherish the purity of nature.
A Celebration of Cultural Diversity
The National Tribal Festival, organised by the Tribal Affairs Department with support from the Indian Army and local administration, highlighted the rich traditions and heritage of the Dard-Shina community. Speaking at the event, Omar Abdullah emphasized, “Our tribal communities are the living soul of India’s cultural diversity. Festivals like these strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual respect across regions.” His remarks underscored the festival’s role in fostering Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, with performances showcasing folk music, dance, and crafts from Jammu and Kashmir and other states. The event, held near the Line of Control (LoC), symbolized resilience and cultural vibrancy despite geographical challenges
Gurez: A Rising Tourism Star
Abdullah’s participation coincided with the launch of river rafting on the Kishanganga River, a milestone in promoting adventure tourism in Gurez. He stated, “Gurez’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers.” The valley, often compared to Switzerland for its pristine landscapes, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks like Habba Khatoon, has seen a tourism surge, with over 100,000 visitors in 2024, up from 5,000 in 2019-20. The Tourism Development Authority proposed by Abdullah aims to enhance infrastructure, including a planned 10-km tunnel at Razdan Pass to ensure year-round access, boosting border tourism and local economies
Why Gurez Outshines Switzerland
Gurez’s allure lies in its untouched beauty and cultural authenticity, surpassing Switzerland’s commercialized destinations. The Kishanganga River, dense Kail and pine forests, and biodiversity (home to snow leopards and Himalayan ibex) create a serene, unspoiled paradise. Its ancient Silk Route heritage and Dard-Shina traditions, including unique wooden architecture and the Shina language, add a historical depth unmatched by European counterparts. Visitors describe Gurez as a “folktale come alive,” with its tranquil ambiance and organic lifestyle offering a raw connection to nature.
Cultural Preservation and Empowerment
The festival also saw the launch of Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM, a community radio station dedicated to preserving Dard-Shina heritage. LG Sinha, who virtually inaugurated the event, lauded the community’s contribution to India’s cultural diversity, stating, “The Dard-Shina are a precious treasure, inspiring sustainable living in harmony with nature.” Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, transformative initiatives since August 2019, including grid connectivity to Gurez in 2023, have uplifted tribal communities, restoring their ancient glory and dignity.
Challenges and Sustainability
While Gurez’s tourism boom, with attractions like Tulail Valley, trout fishing, and trekking, drives economic growth, concerns about environmental and cultural preservation persist. Pollution from the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project and unregulated tourism threaten the valley’s pristine environment. Experts urge eco-friendly tourism to protect its natural purity and cultural identity, ensuring Gurez remains a sustainable paradise.
A Vision for Unity and Progress
Omar Abdullah’s presence, alongside dignitaries like Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan, highlighted Gurez’s growing significance. His call for statehood restoration during the festival emphasized J&K’s rightful aspirations, aligning cultural celebration with political advocacy. The National Tribal Festival and river rafting launch underscore Gurez’s emergence as a global destination, blending adventure, culture, and natural splendor, inviting travelers to experience India’s own “Mini Switzerland.”
