The tourism department will host Jonha Sharad Utsav, 2011, on December 17 and 18 to increase the tourist flow at the picturesque waterfall. It also intends to organise such functions at all important tourist places in the coming days.

Kite and magic shows, dance, mono-acting, tourism quiz, mehendi and tattoo-making, wish lamp flying and musical programmes will be the chief draws at Jonha Sharad Utsav. Buses will be arranged for visitors.

“We will charge Rs 75 per head for the tour. The package includes food and free entry to the entertainment shows,” said tourism minister Bimla Pradhan at a news meet on Wednesday.

Replying to a question, she claimed that there had been a 12 per cent rise in tourism influx compared to the previous year. In 2009-10, over 2.4 crore domestic tourists and 17,000 foreign tourists visited Jharkhand. A 10-12 per cent steady growth in their numbers is being recorded every year.

Speaking about the steps being taken by her government to promote tourism, the minister said over Rs 25 crore would be spent on different schemes in the current fiscal. The projects being taken up include construction of multipurpose halls in Deoghar and Godda, renovation of Maa Binduvasini temple in Sahebganj, Tagore Hill in Ranchi, construction of roads at different places, et al.

The department has sanctioned Rs 15.90 lakh for running a family train at Ganga Vihar Park in Sahebganj.

The hot water spring at Palasi in Dumka district too will be developed as a tourist spot.