Surinsar Mansar Development Authority in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University today organised a Heritage Walk to Manwal, the ancient capital of Dogra region.
Held under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the heritage walk at historic Babore temples at Manwal witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of historians, academicians, artists and students.
The Heritage Walk was flagged-off by Gurvinder Jeet Singh, CEO SMDA, and Prof Ashok Sharma, Dean, FoS, SMVDU that covered five temple sites spread over one kilometer.
During the walk, followed by Heritage Baithak and Heritage Lectures, the participants were made aware about the prominent historical, architectural and cultural aspects of the temples at Manwal that are being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
These temples reflect the zenith of Nagara temple building movement in North India.
Jai Karan Singh and other Experts from Archaeological Survey of India, J&K Circle briefed everyone about the historic essence and architectural grandeur of the temples, namely, Devi Bhagwati Temple, Dera Babore, Kala Dera One and Two, and Dera Temple.
CEO SMDA emphasized on the need for preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu region.
Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU, emphasized the need for organizing more such events and giving more exposure to the students to the culture and heritage of Jammu region.
The students of School of Architecture and Landscape Design and School of Philosophy and Culture, who were the main participants of the event hailing from different parts of the country, evinced keen interest in the ornate carvings and style of temple building.
They captured the temples through photographs, videos, sketches, and said that these temples deserve to be included in the UNESCO heritage sites
Others present on the occasion included Ar Aditya Kumar Singh, HoD Architecture, VK Dogra, HoD Civil Engineering, and several faculty members, officials from SMDA, Tourism Department and ASI.
Tehsildar Majalta, Uttam Palsar, Majalta SHO Virender Gupta and Sarpanch village Thalora Balwant Rai Sharma also actively participated in the event.
The event also featured a folk song and dance performance by Ram Ditta and party. The participants were served community feast (dhaam) which had authentic dishes from Dogra cuisine in leaf plates (pattal) and cups (doona).
The event culminated with felicitation of the artists.
waliaharry 