Stringer................Bhat Shahzad Location............... Bandipora 0608ZS_BPR_TRIBALFISTVAL_R Two-Day National Tribal Festival Inaugurated at Scenic Chorwan Village in Gurez Anchor:-A grand two-day National Tribal Festival was inaugurated today at Chorwan village in the picturesque Gurez valley of North Kashmir''s Bandipora district, celebrating the vibrant tribal heritage of India and promoting unity through cultural expression. The festival was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Javid Rana, in the presence of an esteemed gathering of dignitaries. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shri Vijay Kumar Biduri, Hon’ble MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan, DIG North Kashmir, Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department, DC Bandipora Shri Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, SSP Bandipora Harmeet Singh, senior Army officers, and various civil and police officials. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K joined the celebration through a video conference, Speaking virtually, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha stated our tribal communities are the pride of India''s cultural mosaic. This festival reaffirms our belief in unity through diversity.Gurez, with its breathtaking beauty and strong cultural roots, is an ideal place for this celebration. The administration is committed to the overall development of this region, and such initiatives are a step in that direction. The festival opened with a traditional Shina folk performance by local artists, capturing the essence of Gurez''s unique heritage. Cultural troupes from Assam, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu captivated the audience with mesmerizing performances, offering a colorful glimpse into the rich traditions of India’s tribal communities. Addressing the gathering, Hon''ble Minister for tribal Affairs, said this festival is a powerful symbol of the Government''s commitment to preserving and promoting tribal culture across India.Hosting it in Gurez, a remote and beautiful valley, is a testament to the inclusive approach of our development agenda. We are working to ensure that tribal communities receive their due recognition and benefits through schemes focusing on health, education, livelihood, and cultural preservation. MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of india and UT administration for choosing Gurez as the venue. This is the first time such a large-scale national cultural event is being held in Gurez. It has brought joy and pride to our people and will boost local tourism, culture, and identity. Byte 1:-Local Resident Irshad Ahmad Byte 2:-Local Resident Farooz Ahmad