**Foxglove Blooms Festival celebrated at Bhadarwah.*
Bhadarwah May 31: Festival of 'Foxglove blooms' was today celebrated at Noori Hanga village of Additional District Bhadarwah. The festival is celebrated for the first time by the initiative taken up by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with Bhadarwah Development Authority and District Administration Doda.
The festival is celebrated to mark the beauty of a flowering plant commonly known as Foxglove and scientific name Digitalis. Digitalis or foxglove is native to Europe, western Asia and northwestern Africa. It is found in abundance in the forests of Bhadarwah Forest Division. It adds to the beauty of our green lush forests. The flowers are tubular in shape produced on a tall spike and vary in colour from purple to pink, white and yellow. It is used in the treatment of congestive cardiac failure.
The event was witnessed by a large gathering of local people, students of various schools and Degree College Bhadarwah. During the program importance of this flowering plant was described in detail by Dr. Neeraj of University Campus Bhadarwah.
The event was inaugurated by DDC Chairman Dhanantar Singh. He in his address appreciated the initiative taken by the Director Tourism, BDA and District Administration. He said that it will attract tourists in large and thus enhance the business opportunities here. He also highlighted various schemes launched by Central govt for benefits of common unemployed masses. Other participants including officers and public representatives also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of this wild plant. CEO BDA made welcome address. He also highlighted the importance of celebrating this festival to attract tourists.
The event was made attractive and colourful with cultural activities performed by prominent singers like Ravi Thakur, Mool Raj Misher, Abid Bashir and Younis Sheikh. Dance like Dikku was also performed by the local public. Students of Athkhar public school participated in cultural program.
The event was attended by Vice Chairperson DDC Sangeeta Bhagat, DDC member Th. Yudhvir Singh, BDC chairman Omi Chand, ADC Bhaderwah Ch. Dil Mir, CEO BDA , C. O 4RR , ASP Bhadarwah and other officers, representatives of Tour and Travels Association and Beopar Mandal.
The day long programme ended with the vote of thanks by BDC chairman. He also extended his gratitude to the local Media Fraternity for efforts in making this celebration sucessful. He also thanked all the participants and expressed his hope to held these type events in future too to promote the tourism potential of this region.