Leh - The Ladakh Festival

The Ladakh Festival is an attempt of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism section to promote the rich heritage of the Ladakh Culture. This is usually done in collaboration with the local communities and the district administrators. The Ladakh Festival is appreciated for its variety and vigor.

In the inauguration ceremony there is a spectacular procession. This is a colorful pageantry in which colorful costumes are worn by the village people and also numerous other groups from different parts of the town.

It is indeed a spectacular festival. The ceremony passes through Leh Market dancing, singing with traditional music, in colorful traditional Ladakhi dresses, and finishes at Polo ground after performing their best dances and songs. The festival last for 15 days with regular program in different villages. The program includes Archery, Polo, and Mask Dances from the monasteries, traditional dances by cultural troupes from Villages. There are series of musical concert and dance program in Leh town.

Have you ever participated in this festival?

he Ladakh Festival is a unique project of the State Department of Tourism to patronize the revival and promotion of Ladakh's age-old traditions and customs, its cultural heritage and the performing arts. For the tourists visiting Ladakh, the festival provides an opportunity to witness and experience the lifestyle and cultural ethos of a people who have lived for centuries on the crossroads of Asia, receiving and harmonising socio-cultural and religious influences from their neighbouring societies.

I had participated in this festival long time ago. And I do agree with the compliment that you have given.

The inaugural function is a mega celebration held at Leh with a spectacular procession in which various cultural troupes and village contingents participate in full ceremonial costumes, singing songs and performing various types of dances to the tune of the traditional orchestra. At the Polo ground, where the procession terminates, the participants break into a variety of folk and popular dances, presenting the best samples of the region's performing arts.

Besides this, there are interesting items like village archery festivals which are held in selected suburban villages of Leh. Every villager is required to formally participate in these events in accordance with the established social code. Every male participant is expected to try his skill with the bow and arrow in alternate rounds of archery and dancing while the ladies have to join in as many rounds of the mandatory folk dances. Other programmes of the festival include a series of evening musical concerts, mask dances by lamas of selected monasteries and mock marriage ceremonies complete with all the associated traditions.

Besides this, there are interesting items like village archery festivals which are held in selected suburban villages of Leh. Every villager is required to formally participate in these events in accordance with the established social code. Every male participant is expected to try his skill with the bow and arrow in alternate rounds of archery and dancing while the ladies have to join in as many rounds of the mandatory folk dances. Other programmes of the festival include a series of evening musical concerts, mask dances by lamas of selected monasteries and mock marriage ceremonies complete with all the associated traditions.

A major polo tournament called the "Ladakh Festival Cup" is also held as part of the festival in which polo teams from different parts of the region participate. Visitors to Ladakh during this period will have the opportunity of witnessing this ancient sport of the western Himalayas being played in its original, wild style with fewer rules and frenzied crowd involvement.

Hi ladies
Is their some one from Leh or ladhak. I like to visit it at some time in future. Please give me some some information.Hotels and their rent, best time of visit or route to follow.
sanchi