Gulmarg (J-K), Dec 25 : Tourists from across the country and abroad are revelling in ice-skating to the tune of mystique Sufi music in picturesque snow-capped Gulmarg region of Jammu and Kashmir, as the annual winter festival commences with immense gaiety.

The three-day festival started with Christmas Mass at the historic Saint Mary's Church with Santa Claus distributing sweets to children.

"The three-day festival is a fun-filled fiesta for tourists including ice-skiing, and cultural programmes. Gulmarg is becoming the best potential venue in the world," said Farooq Shah, Director, state tourism promotion.

It is pertinent to mention here that Gulmarg has the world's highest cable car project. The five-kilometer long cable car project in Gulmarg ends at 13,500 feet above sea level in Afarwat hills.

Ice-skating, snow rugby, snow cycling, snowman making, and other cultural events were the highlights of the festival. The three-day festival will conclude on December 26. (ANI)