JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
This year, the Baisakhi festival in Jammu city is set to be a very special and historic one. For the first time, people will have the opportunity to enjoy boating on the Tawi River. A grand three-day boating festival is being organized from April 14th to 16th at the Tawi River Front at Vikram Chowk, showcasing a unique blend of culture, adventure, and local traditions.
This special event is being jointly organized by Jammu Smart City Limited, Jammu Municipal Corporation, the Tourism Department, and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. An artificial lake has been created in the Tawi River for Baisakhi, with approximately 3 to 4 meters of water retained to facilitate boating.
During the festival, approximately 15 boats will be launched in the Tawi River, including 4 to 5 motor boats and 10 to 12 standard boats. People will be able to enjoy boating from morning until late evening. SDRF teams will also be deployed for security.
The highlight of this festival is not just boating but also the cultural activities associated with it. The Tawi River Front will also offer opportunities to enjoy Maha Aarti, wrestling competitions, Dogra folk songs, light and sound shows, and traditional Dogra cuisine.
The plan to build an artificial lake in the Tawi River was initiated in 2010, and later expanded to cover approximately 7 kilometers. Although the project stalled for some time, work resumed in 2019, and the first phase is now complete.
Under the Jammu Smart City Project, the Tawi River Front is being developed along the lines of the Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat. In the future, shopping malls, restaurants, and other commercial facilities will also be developed, making the area a major hub of tourism and economic activity.
According to officials, this event not only seeks to connect people with the Tawi River but also serves as an important step toward establishing Jammu as a new tourism hub. All citizens are invited to this three-day fair, free of charge, so they can come with their families and enjoy this special festival.
