Dal lake has India's first open-air cinema

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Aasha Khosa • 2 Years ago
Hindi film Kashmir ki kali being screened in Dal
Hindi film Kashmir ki kali being screened in Dal

 

Rizwan Shafi Wani/Srinagar


Watching the iconic Bollywood flick Kashmir ki Kali on a screen mounted in the middle of the shimmering waters of Dal Lake can at best be described as a surreal experience.

 

And this is what happened when the first-ever open-air floating theater came live in Dal Lake, in Srinagar city, thanks to the collaboration of the tourism department and a private cinema group. This is expected to become a major tourist attraction in the coming days.

 

Cultural show inside Dal Lake (Images Courtesy: J&K Tourism)

 

Four mega screens have been installed in the Lake’s different corners so that people from all angles can enjoy this unique cinematic experience.

 

Chief Secretary of J&K Arun Kumar Mehta inaugurated the open-air theater. Also present on the occasion were Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Nitish Kumar, Provincial Commissioner Kashmir Pandorang Pole, Secretary Tourism and Culture Sarmad Hafeez, Tourism Director GN Itoo.

 

Tourists and locals present were enthralled by this experience. A fleet of shikaras, small boats, and houseboats were made available to the audiences to watch the film.

 

Lazer show to entrall the tourists and locals

 

Sarmad Hafeez said that this open theater would benefit tourism in Kashmir. "There was a demand for arranging evening events. The concept of open-air theater is unique, which is not found anywhere else in the world. This will greatly benefit tourism in Kashmir. Already Shikara and houseboat owners have welcomed this move.”

 

He said that as regards the Covid-19 pandemic, all the tourism operators and professionals who deal with tourists have been vaccinated on a priority basis. “Jammu and Kashmir is the safest as all the people associated with the tourism sector have been vaccinated,” he said.

 

"Winter is coming and we hope that tourists from all over the country as well as from all over the world will flock to Kashmir," Hafeez said. Locals and tourists praised the government's off-beat move and hoped that such measures would boost tourism in Kashmir.

 

Local girls performing Kashmiri folk dance- Rauf

 

Talking to Awaz-e-Voice, tour and travel operator Farooq Ahmed Khatto said that this is a commendable step. “Such programs can further boost tourism in Kashmir. I appeal to everyone to come to Kashmir and enjoy the Nature here. He said that this floating theater is also very good. There should be more such activities so that tourists are attracted here. Evening events are being held in Kashmir for the first time and I congratulate the tourism department for organizing this event.”

 

Earlier, the Chief Secretary inaugurated a laser show at Ghat No. 7 and a short film on the history of houseboats in Kashmir was also telecast on an open houseboat. The dignitaries also inspected the gallery, which showcases old magazines and photographs, houseboats on the Jhelum River and Dal Lake, Kashmir culture, and traditional banquets.

 

The glittering Shikara rally from Nehru Park to the Kabutar Khanna took place on the occasion, where local artists sang and danced Kashmiri songs and captivated the guests and all passers-by on Boulevard Road.