Kargil, April 14: Department of Tourism, Kargil, organized the third phase of the Apricot Blossom Festival in Hardass village.

Deputy Commissioner/DEO, Kargil, Shrikant Suse was the chief guest, the other guests included Joint Director Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, Assistant Director Tourism, Rahmatullah Butt, Chief Agriculture Officer, Ashiq Hussain, Chief Horticulture Officer, Mohd Zaffar, DySP HQ, Nitin Yadav, SDM Drass, Vishal Atri, AEE/PHE HQ/Drass, Zakir Hussain, Phunchok Ladakhi, State Icon of UT Ladakh for Lok Sabha Election 2024, Dr. Tsewang, State Nodal Officer UT Ladakh and Ghulam Rasool, District Nodal Officer (SVEEP) Kargil, national and international tourists, vloggers, villagers and folk artists attended the event.

The program began with the National Anthem followed by welcome speech by Assistant Director Tourism, Rahmatullah Butt. He welcomed guests from both national and international backgrounds, appreciating artists from remote areas.

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He also emphasized the role of the festival in bringing happiness and vitality to Kargil, Ladakh. He concluded with optimism about Kargil’s potential as a tourist destination beyond its status as a war memorial.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil highlighted the importance of culturally enriching programs like the Apricot Blossom Festival. He thanked guests and tourists for their participation.

DC Kargil also commended the SVEEP team for their outstanding work in raising electoral awareness in the district. 

The event featured captivating cultural performances, including traditional folk dances by Garkone artists, Sheena folk dance, Mulbekh cultural dance, Bodh-Kharbo folk dance, and Balti folk dance.

Additionally, poets from various tribes presented Balti and Urdu poetry related to the Apricot Blossom Festival. Before concluding, the Ranthag Theatre Group Kargil performed a play highlighting the importance of public participation in the electoral process.