Ladakh Festival begins

Calling upon the people to maintain cultural hospitality with the tourists, Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that tourists have contributed a lot to the economic growth of Ladakh region.

The Minister was addressing a gathering at Leh Polo-ground after inaugurating the fort-night long Ladakh Festival today.

The Minister said the main purpose of holding festival in September is to lengthen the tourist season in Ladakh, adding that it would support further promotion of tourism in the region and the result is already witnessing.

During the 15 days festival, typical and vivid traditional culture shows like mask dances, Thangka display, archery competition, River rafting, double humped camel riding, horse polo etc will be displayed not only in Leh city but also at the block level also to boost tourism and to educate the future generation about the unique culture and tradition for which Ladakh is known for.

The Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh Rigzin Spalbar, Executive Councilor, Tourism Gurmet Dorjey, Executive Councilor Agriculture Sonam Dorjey, Councilors of Leh Hill Councilor, Deputy Commissioner Leh Tsering Angchok, heads of various political, religious and social organizations, district officers and larger number of foreign tourists and local audiences attended the inaugural function.

Extending gratitude to the foreign as well as domestic tourists for visiting Ladakh, Mr. Jora appealed them to fully involve and enjoy the cultural, spiritual and adventure experience of this region and bring back good memories of Ladakh.

Referring to the devastating flash flood that had claimed hundreds of human lives and public properties, the Minister appreciated the people of Ladakh for quickly coming out of the natural catastrophe and led a normal life. He appealed the people to maintain same zeal along with the tradition of mutual cooperation.

Highlighting the record arrival of tourists this year in Leh, Mr. Spalbar said that by August 15, as many as 1,41,000 tourists already arrived and the main challenge ahead to regulate the eco-system and to create adequate tourist infrastructure matching the uniqueness of this region. He said that Hill Council has already initiated measures for opening new trekking routes and preservation of important tourist spots in Ladakh, adding that LAHDC would concentrate upon percolating every possible benefit of tourists up to the grass root level.

Earlier the Executive Councillor Tourism Gurmet Dorjey welcomed the tourists and participants in Ladakh Festival. He highlighted the main objectives of the festival and appreciated the people for handing the tourist in good manner. A vivid culture programme was also shown on the occasion and one of the main attraction was the skit presented by the Nomadic children from Puga Valley residential school in Changthang region which was awarded a cash reward of Rs 50,000 by the Tourism Minister.

Later, Mr. Jora released a postal stamp on Shanti Stupa.