Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Sept 16: As a part of the series of events being organized by the UT Administration Ladakh in connection with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan inaugurated 2- day Ladakh Zanskar Festival at Padum on Wednesday.
While highlighting the legacy of rich culture and tradition of Zanskar, CEC Feroz Khan said LAHDC Kargil with proactive support of the UT Administration Ladakh is fully committed to develop a sustainable eco-friendly tourism related infrastructure in Zanskar. He expressed optimism that in coming days Zanskar will be the epicenter of tourists in Ladakh and urged local inhabitants to keep their cultural legacy intact, adding that apart from the natural unique landscape of the place, tourists are also more interested to know the local art, culture and traditions.
Hailing the efforts of the NHIDCL in the speedy construction of Kargil-Zanskar Road NH-301, Khan said that road connectivity with Kargil, Himachal Pradesh and Leh will boost the influx of tourists in Zanskar.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Councillor for Tourism and Zanskar Affairs Er Phunsok Tashi urged the UT Administration to schedule the Ladakh Zanskar Festival as an annual event on fixed dates from next year so that tourists and other interested people can plan their itinerary in advance.
Secretary Tourism and Culture Ladakh Mehboob Ali Khan, in his address, said that the Zanskar Winter Festival will be organized on a large scale this winter.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC, Kargil Santosh Sukhadeve expressed optimism that holding of this event as a part of the 75 years of India’s independence will prove a mirror to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Zanskar and will also help in its further preservation and promotion by enlightening people of its importance in the present times.
Meanwhile, on the 1st day of the festival, around 200 artists from Padum and other parts of Zanskar Valley besides artists of North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala from Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh mesmerized the dignitaries and a huge gathering of local people with their traditional music and dance forms and other performances.
As a part of the parallel activities traditional archery exhibition matches, traditional horse race and yak riding were also organized on the occasion.
Later, the CEC Kargil along with the Deputy Commissioner and district officers also led a white water rafting activity in Stod River which started from Sheila and culminated near Pibiting Bridge.
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