Srinagar, May 4 (KNN) A fortnight long ‘Kashmir Festival-2013’ to encourage sports tourism and showcase the culture of the state will be organised in the valley from May-13 to May-29 to promote tourism.

The Tourism Ministry will provide financial support for the event that will be held at different places in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, according to Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi.

The Festival will be held in Srinagar, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Manasbal, Doodhpathri, Gulmarg, Lolab Valley and Sonmarg and will include shikara races, cycle races, canoeing, river rafting, para gliding, painting, swimming competition, horse races among other activities.

The highlight of the event will be performances by the cultural troupes that will showcase the unique culture of the state.   

The Ministry of Tourism has roped in other ministries including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation for outlining concessional fares and tour packages, the Ministry of Culture for organizing cultural events through different cultural troupes and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for carrying out sport activities such as boat race and other adventure sports like paragliding and horse race.

Meanwhile, local service providers such as hoteliers, guest house owners including house boats of Kashmir division have already offered discounts of 20-30 per cent as a special case for the tour packages and tourists during the forthcoming tourist season. (KNN)