Come
winter and Ladakh will feature in every tourist’s list. Thanks to the annual
Ladakh festival that is held in the region and experience a taste of
Ladakh’s culture by taking a trip to this place during the festival and
witnessing the festivities.
The Ladakh Festival
Held
during the first fortnight in September, from the 1st to the 15th
as an annual event, the Ladakh Festival brings forward the region’s heritage in
a haze of colours, merriment, music and dance.
The
festival brings together the diverse cultures and traditions that prevail over the
region of Ladakh and locals and tourists alike are invited to join the celebrations.
The Procession of Colours
J&K
Tourism in collaboration with the local and district communities organizes this
event each year, and the incredible inaugural procession is something that you
shouldn’t miss. The procession moves through the slopes of Leh’s main market and
different cultural troupes put forth their best songs and dances on display
during this procession.
The
procession finally ends at Polo Ground, where the troupes then perform folk
dances. You’ll witness picture perfect moments during this procession as you
move along with the performing crowd.
The Ladakh Festival Cup
The
most famous highlight of the festival is the polo tournament called the Ladakh
Festival Cup, a competition that aims at reliving the traditional western
Himalayan sport in full bloom right at its birthplace. Leh Bazaar, Kargil
district, Zanskar valley and many such smaller villages participate in this
annual commemoration of their beautiful and rich culture.
Other Major Events
Every
village around Leh conducts its own archery festival, one where every
villager is compulsorily expected to attend and test his bow and arrow skills.
The women participate in the cultural dancing and singing fests, and participation
in this event is mandatory too.
This
is later followed by an event where mask dances are performed by the Lamas of
select monasteries. These dances signify the prevalence of good over evil and
during these dances; snatches of Ladakh’s religious beliefs are shared too.
Country liquor is served during these mask dances and mock marriages that are
unique to the local region are too organized during this festival.
The
Ladakh Festival brings together a magnificent display of the inherent diversity
of the region through a medium that not only helps in reviving the tradition
but also provides an artistic display that can be enjoyed by tourists, both
local and international.
Click to view map