GTA to hold tourist fest in the Hills

Photo: northbengaltourism.com

HT, 20 October 2016, DARJEELING: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has lined up a “Cultural and Tourism Festival” in the Hills starting from October 22. 

With Darjeeling witnessing a good spell of weather after a round of incessant rainfall tourist are thronging the Hills. “The festival is aimed at portraying the rich and diverse culture of the Hills. Such festivals always attract a lot of tourists,” said Binay Tamang, GTA member in-charge of information and cultural affairs.

The festivals are being jointly organised by the information and cultural department and tourism department of the GTA and will be held in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik.

In Darjeeling, the festival will be held from October 22 to October 28 at the Chowrasta. In Kurseong, it will be held at the Bus Stand from October 23 to 25th. In Kalimpong, the festival will take place from October 23 to 27th at the Mela Ground. In Mirik, the festival will be held in the open space beside the lake from October 24 to 26th. The festival will commence at 3.30pm and will continue till 6 pm.

“Traditional songs and dances by different Hill communities will form an important part of the show. We have kept the time from 3.30pm to 6pm as the tourists usually do not have much to do after around 3:00pm, having returned from the sightseeing trips. The usually laze around at the Chowrasta. This festival is an excellent opportunity for the tourists to soak in the rich and diverse culture of the Hills,” said Tamang.

The puja tourist season which starts in October gets extended till mid January. It also includes the heavy rush during Christmas and New Year. “We have witnessed a 15% increase in tourist flow this puja season. There are lot of inquiries about availability of rooms. This in itself is a good sign. We might have a good tourist season this time,” added Pradeep Lama, secretary, Darjeeling Association of Travel Agents.

Every year around 5 lakh domestic and 30,000 foreign tourists visit Darjeeling. “If political peace is maintained and there is no natural calamity then there will not be a dearth of tourists wanting to visit the Queen of the Hills,” added Lama.