Naya Kashmir: Kashmir gets asia’s first ever ‘floating cinema

The era of Naya Kashmir has already kick-started in the Valley and taking more steps to boost tourism in the UT, the Jammu and Kashmir government has started the first of its kind, an open-air theatre in the middle of Dal Lake. The government also inaugurated a laser show at Dal Lake.

 

The floating cinema hall was inaugurated on the last day of the 'Iconic Festival', which is to celebrate 75 years of independence. On the inauguration day, the famous Bollywood film ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’ was played on the big screen. ‘Kashmir ki Kali’ was shot in Kashmir in 1964.

 

 

 

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department in collaboration with Smart City Srinagar and Mission Youth J&K have started this theatre.

 

"We started an open theatre in the middle of Dal Lake. People can see movies while sitting in shikaras. It’s a novel idea. And there would be a movie about houseboats running in this theatre to give tourists an insight. We will do a laser show around it too. This will give a lot of confidence to the houseboat community and help in growing tourism in the Kashmir Valley, " said Director of Tourism, G N Itoo.

 

On the occasion, a shikara rally adorned and shining with lights passed through Nehru Park to Kabootar Khana with local artists singing and dancing Kashmiri songs which enthralled guests and all passersby through the Boulevard road.

 

A gallery displaying old testimonials, periodicals, and photographs depicting old pictures of houseboats on the Jhelum and Dal Lake, Kashmiri culture, and traditional cuisine were also put up for the locals and tourists. A fleet of Shikaras and houseboats were kept available for tourists to join the celebrations and witness laser shows and films.

"I am feeling great. It’s India’s first floating cinema, and it’s a beautiful experience. We are enjoying it a lot. We should recommend this to everyone, and no one should be afraid to come here, " said Aakshama, a tourist.

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