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Leh's two-week long cultural fiesta, a delight for visitors
by Jigmet Angchuk

     Leh (Ladakh): People in Leh are having a great time these days as they have fun n' frolic while participating in the ongoing annual fortnight long cultural festival, which began here on Friday. The cultural fiesta started off with a procession of hundreds of fabulously attired artistes from various regions of Ladakh-- Changpa, Nubrapa, Balti and Barokpa walking through the streets of Leh. Rhythmic native tunes resonated off the barren mountain slopes, filling the air in Leh with lot of excitement and celebration. Thousands of residents along with tourists from various parts of the country and world gathered here to witness the annual extravaganza showcasing the distinct Ladakhi folk culture. According to Urgen Lundup, Deputy Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, Leh, the festival is intended to promote tourism in the region in a big way. "This festival is going to play an important role in promoting tourism in Ladakh. Such an event showcases the local tradition before one and all and at the same time helps us preserve and promote our culture," said Lundup.

    Started in 1993, the festival used to be held, during the peak time of June and July but was shifted to attract tourists to the relatively lean season. The festival offers tourists a unique opportunity to witness the culture of people who have lived for centuries on the cross-roads of high Asia, receiving and harmonizing cultural and religious influences from various Central Asian societies tapping the booming tourist industry. Meanwhile, Ladakhi people bedecked with gold and silver ornaments and turquoise headgears along with Phoks, Karcholmas, Dekhar, Polo horses, yaks and double humped camels thronged the streets. Locals performed mask dances, a hit among the foreigners, in the ramparts of the monasteries amidst the backdrop of barren chilly mountains. The chief guest of the opening ceremony was Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Azad expressed a hope that the number of tourists visiting the region would increase in the coming years. "I am happy that the number of foreign tourists visiting here has reached 20,000 to 22,000. In the coming years we want these figures to grow," said the Chief Minister. More than 15,000 tourists have visited Ladakh so far during the current tourist season and the influx of foreign as well as domestic tourists has increased by 50 percent in the last two years alone. Leh town is the ancient royal capital and currently the headquarters of Ladakh region. Situated at a height of 11,500 feet, Leh offers a unique ambience for the festival against stark mountains.
-Sept 5, 2006