KARGIL, APRIL 10, 2021: As a part of the series of events held in connection with the 1st ever Apricot Blossom-Chuli Mendoq Festival organized by the Department of Tourism UT Ladakh, a program was held at Sanjak village here today.

Executive Councilor for Tourism Er Tashi Phunsog was the chief guest on the occasion while Assistant Director (AD), Tourism Kargil Aga Syed Taha, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shakar Chiktan Kacho Asgar Ali, BDC Chairperson Chiktan Syeda Banoo, Lambardars, Panchs, folk artists and good number of villagers were also present on the occasion.

EC Tourism Er Phunsog Tashi while speaking on the occasion said that Chiktan Block of Kargil has a unique heritage and cultural history and holding of such festivals here during the time of the apricot blossoming season will help in attracting the tourists.

The EC Tourism said that this festival is expected to prove instrumental in improving the economy of the locals through tourism which is one of the main sources of alternative livelihood. He also stressed locals to avail the benefits of various schemes of the Tourism Department.

AD Tourism Aga Syed Taha said that the main objective behind organizing this festival is to extend the tourism season and making Ladakh an all weather destination.

He stressed that after establishment of home stays, proper hospitality of tourists should be taken into consideration. He also assured that next year same festival will be conducted on a large scale.

BDC Chairperson Syeda Banoo in her address thanked Tourism Department UT Ladakh for conducting such a resourceful programme. She underlined that such programmes should be conducted more in future to bring Shakar-Chickten visible on the tourist map at the global level.

Meanwhile, a skit was presented by the artists of Ranthag Theater Group on the theme of organic farming and apricot cultivation while solo folk songs and poetry were also presented by the local artists.