Dal Lake : Chinar Boat Race 2024
The famous Chinar boat race 2024 was organised recently inJammu and Kashmir’s Dal Lake by the Army.
- Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.
- It is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
- It is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The lake covers an area of 18 sq.km. and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 sq.km.
- The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered an independent lake).
- The shoreline of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels.
- The floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August.
- Dal Lake is also popular for the floating market where vendors have their own Shikaras/wooden boats and approach tourists.
- The island located on the Lakut Dal is known as Roph Lank (Silver Island), is marked with the presence of majestic Chinar trees at the four corners, thus known as Char-Chinari (Four Chinars).
- The second Chinar Island, known as Sone Lank (Gold Island), is located on the Bod Dal (Big Dal) and overlooks the holy shrine of Hazratbal.
