Gulmarg hosts Asia's first ever snow sculpture camp

Asia's first ever snow sculpture camp and exhibition titled 'Snow fiesta 2014', being held at a ski resort in Gulmarg, astounds and amaze people with huge scriptures, snow painting, snow photography and a lot more.

The snow camp has been organised by e-planner event management in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and Callisto Art and Culture.

The 25-day long camp was thrown open to public on February 16.

The artists worked for almost a month at a stretch despite plummeting temperature and prepared huge sculptures like 30-feet long Kashmiri samovar (a tea pot like container), a cradle, horse's head, an igloo, snow guitar, and a 30-feet long vintage car amongst a few.

The snow fiesta has also been held in order to attract more tourists and art lovers during peak season in the northern state.

"The purpose of conducting this snow sculpture camp was to boost the tourism of Jammu and Kashmir, more tourists should come from outside the province. They should see something new in Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam (popular tourist destinations in the state) and they get to know the culture and tradition of Kashmir, which we wish to promote," said Zahoor Kashmiri, a snow sculpture artist.

Many tourists and residents of the province thronged the ski resort to witness beautiful open air snow scriptures and were spellbound with the talent on display.

"Some students have taken this nice initiative. They have showcased the art and culture of Kashmir which was hidden before. This is a welcome step for us," said Sheikh Abbas, a tourist.

This year Gulmarg has received more than six feet of snowfall, enthralling winter sports enthusiasts as well as tourists alike.