SHOPIAN, NOVEMBER 07: The first-ever ‘Jashn-e-Harud’, organised by the District Administration Shopian, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Shopian Saturday, witnessing an overwhelming public response and huge participation from people from different parts of the district.
MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie, MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Deputy Commissioner Charandeep Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Mushtaq Ahmed Choudhary, other officers and people from all corners of Shopian participated in the festival.
The event, as per an official statement, showcased the rich heritage, vibrant culture, traditional art and timeless traditions of Shopian through a variety of activities and exhibitions.
A number of departmental and thematic stalls were set up on the occasion, showcasing various welfare schemes, developmental initiatives, local products, traditional crafts, artefacts, horticulture produce and achievements of different departments.
Cultural programmes, including traditional performances, folk songs, and other activities, further added colour to the celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted the unique significance of the Harud season for Shopian, described it as not merely a season but an integral part of the district’s identity, deeply connected with its horticultural economy and way of life.
He said that Shopian is predominantly a horticultural district and Harud marks the period when farmers reap the fruits of their hard work. He added that for the people of Shopian, Harud represents not only an season but also an economic harvest, given the central role of horticulture in the district’s economy.
The DC said that there is significant scope for further development of horticulture-related enterprises and value addition in the district. He emphasised the need to establish and promote more horticulture-based enterprises to generate employment, strengthen the local economy and provide greater returns to farmers.
He assured that the District Administration is committed to promoting horticulture-related enterprises and supporting initiatives aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people.
The DC also stressed the importance of environment-conscious and sustainable development, stating that development must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and preservation of the district’s natural wealth.
Success stories of beneficiaries were also presented, with beneficiaries highlighting their journeys in establishing successful ventures and adopting agri-allied farming activities.
The celebrations continued with enthusiastic participation from the public, with visitors appreciating the stalls, exhibits, local products, artefacts and cultural performances showcased during the event.
