Patnitop-Sanasar Winter Carnival 2025: Minister Satish Sharma Highlights Tourism as Key Driver for Regional Growth
Udhampur December 31, 2025:- Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Transport, Youth Services, and Sports, Satish Sharma, presided over the grand conclusion of the two-day Patnitop–Sanasar Winter Carnival-2025 today, emphasizing that vibrant tourism is essential for regional development and employment generation.
Addressing a massive gathering, the Minister stated that the government’s strategy centers on promoting cultural heritage and sports-linked activities to engage the youth and create sustainable livelihoods for local artisans and entrepreneurs. He noted that the high tourist footfall at the event reflects the success of the Omar Abdullah-led government in transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a premier, all-season tourism hub.
Positioning Patnitop and Sanasar as the flagship winter destinations of the Jammu region, Minister Satish Sharma reiterated the administration’s commitment to upgrading connectivity and visitor facilities. He highlighted that festivals like the Winter Carnival do more than just entertain; they provide a vital economic platform for performers and small businesses.
The Minister lauded the Patnitop Development Authority and the Tourism Department for their professional management of the event, asserting that the carnival’s success demonstrates the Union Territory’s rising stature on India’s national tourism map.The carnival concluded with an electrifying performance by renowned Punjabi singer Ninja, which served as a major highlight for the thousands in attendance. Throughout the two-day event, visitors enjoyed a diverse blend of folk culture, adventure sports like horse riding, and an ethnic street bazaar.
Senior dignitaries, including local MLAs and district administration heads, were present to witness the festivities. Director of Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta, also briefed the audience on upcoming infrastructure projects intended to further enhance the appeal of the Patnitop-Sanasar circuit as a top-tier winter retreat.