The three-day colorful celebrations of the fifth annual SarfaRanga Cold Desert Festival are underway in the world’s highest cold desert, SarfaRanga. Today, on the second day of the festival, exciting competitions of Baltistan’s traditional boating competition, archery and rock climbing were held at the famous Blind Lake of Shugar. A large number of domestic and foreign tourists including local people were present on this occasion who have come from all over the country including Gilgit-Baltistan to participate in the Sarfa Ranga cold dessert celebrations.
Minister of Planning and Development Raja Nasir Ali Khan was the chief guest of the sports competition to be held in Blind Lake, while Secretary Tourism Asifullah Khan, Commissioner Baltistan Division Najeeb Alam and Deputy Commissioner Shagar Waliullah Falahi were also present on the occasion.
On this occasion, while addressing the prize distribution ceremony among the winners of Zakh and Rock Climbing competitions, Planning and Development Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan said that not only the positive image of Gilgit-Baltistan was highlighted due to Sarfa Ranga Cold Desert Rally. Rather, due to this colorful festival, the traditional cultural games and fairs of Baltistan with their unique identity are becoming popular again among the people and this festival is proving to be helpful in the revival of the culture and traditions of Baltistan and domestic and foreign. Popularity of Baltistan’s traditional hospitality and cultural heritage is increasing among fans, which will not only boost the tourism of the region but also have a positive impact on the standard of living of the common man. He further said that the Sarfa Ranga Cold Desert Rally is increasing the cultural and touristic importance of Baltistan at the global level, but the development of adventure tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan will open the way for economic development.
Sarfa Ranga won the title by defeating Sugar’s team in the final match of the polo competition of the Cold Desert Festival. On this occasion, the traditional game of Baltistan, Kupolo, was also shown interestingly. Senior Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Haji Abdul Hameed was the chief guest of the final match of the polo match, while Minister for Planning and Development Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Member of Assembly Raja Azam Khan, Secretary Tourism Asifullah Khan and DIG Baltistan Range were present on the occasion. A large number of local and foreign tourists and fans including Farman Ali were also present.
Addressing the awards ceremony on this occasion, Secretary Tourism Asifullah Khan announced that the Seven Days Winter Games will also be held in Baltistan this year due to the great reception and excellent arrangements of the Sarfa Ranga Cold Desert Rally.
Speaking on the occasion, Member of Assembly Raja Azam Khan said that Sarfa Ranga has become a big brand in the tourism sector. Sarfa Ranga Cold Desert Rally is an extreme sporting event organized by the provincial government every year in the colorful attractions of Shagar district of Baltistan. And the local cultural festivals are held in full swing.
Senior Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Haji Abdul Hamid Khan speaking on this occasion said that the purpose of organizing this event is to improve the economy of Gilgit-Baltistan which is possible through the promotion of tourism sector. It has always been the effort of the government of Gilgit-Baltistan to highlight the image of tourism and sports in Gilgit-Baltistan. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Tourism and Culture for organizing this wonderful festival.
On the second day and night of the festival, a wonderful cultural and musical show and a cultural fair Mefing was also organized in which, apart from local music, well-known singers from other parts of the country performed their art and the tourists and other fans, including the citizens of Skardu, were well received. Was happy.
