The nomad Gujjar and Bakerwal community of Jammu and Kashmir today appealed to the state government to introduce Tribal tourism by creating tribal tourist destinations in the state, to attract domestic and foreign tourists to trek mountains and learn about their primitive lifestyle.
"The state government should create Tribal tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir to attract tourists to trek mountains and learn the lifestyle of Gujjar-Bakerwal primitive tribes living in the hilly terrain", secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) a frontal organization of Gujjars, Javaid Rahi said.
He urged the government to introduce the concept of tribal tourism in the state which would help generate more revenue by showcasing the vivid art and culture of nomadic tribes and it will also help improve the tribal economy.
Rahi said that there was great potential for new sector of tribal Tourism in the state.
"The government should redesign the tribal villages for tourists as it will help increase the domestic and foreign tourist inflow to the state. The creation of new trekking routes in tribal areas of Pir Panchal and Trikuta Hills of North-Western Himalaya can help in making new tourist circuits in lush green forest areas", Rahi said.
He said that nomadic lifestyle of Gujjars, Bakerwals and other tribes was a treasure of a rich and diverse cultural heritage which has a potential to fascinate many tourists and can prove a strong motivation for them to peep into the colourful traditions of nomadic tribes and their exotic rituals, customs, rhythmical music, dances and sports which exists since centuries.
"The Home Stay in the nomadic huts (Dhoks and Bhaks) with tribal vegetarian cuisine of Gujjars like Kadhan, leeti with wild vegetables and dairy products can prove a great potential to catch the attention of domestic and foreign tourists for a new experience", Rahi said.
Rahi also offered free assistance of Tribal Foundation for designing the tribal destination and introducing the tribal tourism in the state and hoped that Tourism ministry with the help of Tribal ministry will take an initiative in this potential sector.
