Srinagar, Apr 16 : The Kashmir Tourism department has come up with a unique way of adding to the idyllic charm of the valley and captivating the tourists.

After nearly two decades, an initiative by state tourism authorities has revived the custom of musical nights in Kashmir.

A musical night organised near the Zabarwan park overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar on April 14 enthralled the local youngsters.

The event added to the bewitching charm of the valley.

The tranquil environment here came alive as the youngsters dance to the tunes of traditional folk music and bollywood numbers.

Farooq Shah, director, Kashmir Tourism said that the reason behind organising a musical night was to make the tourists feel at home.

"We are organising the musical nights so that the tourists have a wonderful evening and we also wanted the tourists to feel at home and be happy," said Shah.

On the other hand, the evening was a nostalgic reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the state for the people, who are fatigued by years of militant threat.

People enjoyed the musical evening with local artists dressed in traditional attire and singing traditional songs.

Asif, a local, said that he could not believe that such events were being organised in the state.

"We used to watch on the television the musical nights happening in other places such as Delhi, but now I can''t believe that such programmes are happening in Srinagar. Organising such nights have been made possible with the help of tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir," said Asif.

Kashmir witnesses harsh winters for more than six months between November and April. During this extremely cold weather, the temperature dips to sub-zero levels and most people prefer to stay indoors.

But as spring sets in, the valley bursts forth with life as the landscape undergoes a sea change.

The state''s tourism department as well as locals are optimistic that such shows will once again see tourists from abroad thronging this Himalayan haven, as it is a sign of the return of peace and normalcy in the valley. (ANI)