Nestling amidst the snow-clad mountains of Doda District, Lal Draman, an unseen piece of paradise that is bound to take the heart of every visitor away. The locals believe that this beautiful meadow, surrounded by tall Deodar and Fir trees, has been their favorite place to rediscover themselves in solitude with a rich panorama.
Lal Draman’ or Red Meadows has slowly begun to assume a celebrated destination drawing visitors not only from Jammu and Kashmir but from across the country. The recent Snow Festival 2024, organized by the Tejas-Ek Pahal Foundation in collaboration with District Administration Doda, gave a new lease of life to this picturesque local as the entire place changed into a vibrant ground of festivals, full of excitement and full of joy.
A Winter Wonderland of Culture and Adventure
Locals and tourists alike congregated to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Doda as the Snow Festival was staged under the pristine white canopy. The valleys echoed with the laughter of children playing games in the snow, while grownups were amazed by the dotting of snow sculptures on the landscape. Sports enthusiasts watched thrilling volleyball, kabaddi, and badminton matches that provided healthy competition.
Besides the sports, the festival was a beautiful showcase of the traditional art forms of Doda, with various cultural performances that left the audience mesmerized. Dancers donning colored clothes and dancing to the rhythm of folk music produced a glimpse of profound cultural pride, giving warmth in the chilling winter atmosphere. It was more than just a celebration-it was revival of the spirit of the region.
Lal Draman: Where Nature Meets History
Since times immemorial, the spot of Lal Draman has been a place where nature’s beauty reigns supremely. In the meadow, the stunning landscapes present a wide-open expanse with snow-clad trees, apt for camping, trekking, and even skiing in winters.
Journalist Raj Kumar, who regularly visit Draman, said that there is a temple stands alongside ancient stones etched with mysterious marks. According to locals, these cuts appeared when the tears of Vasuki Naag (God of Snakes), fell upon the stones, leaving behind sacred imprints.
Kumar said, “Some villagers hold a belief, claiming that Nagas (serpent deities) once lived here. The area was known for its large ponds, but sages long ago stole the Nagas and took them to Kashmir. As a result, most of the ponds dried up, and Kashmir flourished with abundant water bodies.”
Kumar further said that here, a pond, in particular, has puzzled the locals as its water source remains a mystery. The pond fills itself naturally, without any visible supply, and never runs dry—a phenomenon that continues to baffle both villagers and experts.
No wonder, this scenic view and beliefs of local people attracts various people from across the Jammu and Kashmir. this scenic view and the beliefs of local people attract various people from across
ALSO READ: The Shikara Festival of Kashmir: A Symbol of Culture and Beauty
The late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a revered leader of Jammu and Kashmir, also made frequent visits to this serene location. His deep affection for Lal Draman further cemented its place as one of Doda’s treasured gems.
Yet, Lal Draman offers more than just its natural beauty, for it is a place associated symbolically with communal harmony. A small mosque and temple stand side by side in the meadow-a testament to the unity and brotherhood of the coexisting communities. It’s a reminder that, in this remote corner of Jammu and Kashmir, the values of peace and togetherness run as deep as the roots of the ancient trees that surround the meadow.
Kumar shared that a place known for its small mosque and temple that stand as symbols of unity between two communities. Festivals and fairs are a regular feature here, drawing visitors from far and wide.
“One of the highlights of these fairs is a traditional dance called Kod (folk Dance), where men and women dance together in a joyful celebration. After the festivities, it’s a custom for people to take local sweets like barfi and jalebi back home, sharing them with their families while recounting the day’s fun and togetherness,” Raj Kumar added.
Tourism Blossoms in Red Meadows
While conventionally Lal Draman has been a craze among locals for picnic spots and camping, the magic of winter sports and adventure activities has just begun to attract an audience. The meadow, with its 6 to 8 feet snow in winters, acts as just the right playground for skiing and other snow sports. Adventure enthusiasts can also indulge in zorbing, trekking, and horseback riding to add to the adrenaline-filled excitement times.
The success of the Snow Festival promises a bright future for Lal Draman as a year-round tourist destination. Summer picnics, cultural melas, and winter sports place it firmly on the map. Tourists have started flocking here, lured by the promise of breathtaking sceneries, thrilling adventures, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
A Symbol of Unity and Hope
Lal Draman is not just a scenic retreat; it symbolizes communal harmony. The people coming back from there speak of warmth and hospitality by the local people who welcome one and all with open arms, thereby reinforcing bonds of unity that have always been the hallmark of the region.
With the increase in the tourism potential, it is of essence that the spirit of the meadow-its sense of peace and unity with nature-is kept alive at Lal Draman. Plans for improving road connectivity, though essential, should ensure that this virgin beauty retains its charm for generations to come.
The Road Ahead Although it is presently approachable through a road via Bijarni village, which is 3 km from Lal Draman, plans are in the pipeline to further upgrade the infrastructure to make the journey upward easy for tourists.
Already, Lal Draman has been hailed as the perfect destination for tourists seeking adventure and those who like to slip into nature for some moments of peace. While the festivals and events attract more and more tourists and word about Lal Draman’s uniqueness spreads, this previously hidden meadow is en route to topping the list of places one must visit in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lal Draman is no longer just a secret known to a few. It is emerging as a destination that offers not just adventure and breathtaking views, but most importantly, the unity of the people and their culture. In Lal Draman, every visitor finds more than a vacation-a place where memories are made, where nature speaks quietly to the soul.
Note: Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Feel free to reach out to us at thegrameenexpress@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
