Kargil, October 28, 2024: The scenic village of Bodhkharboo was transformed today as the annual Srub-La Festival, a celebration honouring Kargil’s dedicated farmers and their bountiful harvest season, took center stage.

Drawing participants and spectators from across Kargil and neighbouring areas, this cherished event fosters cultural expression and unity, preserving the rich traditions of Ladakh.

This year’s festival featured the Lok Virasat program, an initiative to revive Ladakh’s folk arts through the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara (mentor-disciple tradition). Organized by Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Bodhkharboo community, Lok Virasat provided an immersive experience showcasing Ladakhi dance, music, and artistry.

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The celebration began with the arrival of guests, including government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the Indian Army. On this auspicious occasion, Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, was greeted with traditional Khataks and welcomed by the spiritually resonant music of Lharna.

The day unfolded with captivating performances by local schools, artists from the Aryan Valley, the Shontsas dance from Kukshow Village, and folk songs from Kundik and Bodhkharboo’s Ama Tsogspa, along with a lively performance by the school children of Bodhkharboo. The traditional Balti Ghazals performed by the Balti Tribe of Kargil, evoking the poetic soul of the region, deeply moved the audience.

On the occasion, the CEC who was chief guest praised the efforts of the Ladakh Cultural Academy, NZCC Patiala, and the residents of Bodhkharboo in organizing this meaningful festival, commending LAHDC Kargil and the local community for their dedication to fostering cultural pride.

Dr. Akhoon informed the gathering that His Holiness could not visit Kargil this year due to ongoing medical treatment. In recognition of His Holiness’s enduring impact, LAHDC, Kargil has granted Rs 2 Crore for the renovation and beautification of His Holiness’s residence at Phyang in Bodhkharboo. Additionally, further funds have been allocated under the SDP for the development of Bodhkharboo and neighboring villages. He emphasized that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not only a spiritual leader for the Buddhist community but also a global icon, who embodies humanity and kindness.

Wishing him a speedy recovery, Dr. Akhoon expressed hope for His Holiness’s return to Ladakh in the summer of 2025, noting that his presence is a blessing that inspires peace and compassion worldwide.

The CEC also announced a grant of Rs. 2 lakh for the Government High School Bodhkharboo to support the purchase of essential equipment for the school’s pipe band. This initiative, he noted, is intended to encourage cultural engagement among students.

In his speech, the CEC stressed the importance of supporting local artisans and their handmade crafts, encouraging them to enhance their work for national platforms like Dilli Haat, where Ladakhi artisans have been showcasing their crafts over the past five years. He urged artisans to seize opportunities to bring Ladakh’s heritage to a wider audience.

He congratulated all the artists and organizers, describing Ladakh as a ‘mini India’—a region where diverse ethnic tribes have lived harmoniously for generations, bonded by culture and mutual respect across religious beliefs. Culture, he said, is what unites Ladakh’s people and fosters a spirit of brotherhood.

Dr. Akhoon also lauded the exceptional dedication of Padma Dorjey, Councilor of Stakchey Khangral Constituency, for his continuous efforts toward the well-being and development of his community. He commended Dorjey’s commitment to his constituents and his role in advancing their quality of life.

In his speech, Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Er Phunchok Tashi, was the guest of honor of the festival, highlighted the importance of not only infrastructure development since Ladakh became a Union Territory but also the preservation and promotion of Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. He emphasized that sustaining Ladakh’s traditional arts and culture is essential for the holistic development of society.

He reaffirmed that the LAHDC Kargil, is dedicated to supporting and reviving Ladakh’s cultural heritage through the efforts of the Ladakh Cultural Academy, which he commended for its commitment to preserving Ladakh’s endangered arts.

Also praised the collaborative work between the Ladakh Cultural Academy, Kargil, and the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in organizing significant cultural events like Ladakh Zanskar Festival, Balti Spangang and other mega events. These initiatives, he noted, provide invaluable platforms for local artists and help safeguard Ladakh’s cultural identity.

EC Tashi appealed to NZCC and Ladakh Cultural Academy, Kargil, to continue organizing such programs in the future. He also urged both organizations to create opportunities for Ladakhi artists to showcase their talents on national and international stages, as such platforms are instrumental in fostering growth and recognition of the artistic community.

Additionally, Padma Dorjey, Councilor, Stakchey Khangral Constituency, LAHDC, Kargil extended gratitude on behalf of the Stakchey Khangral Constituency to the organizers and CEC, LAHDC Kargil, for their invaluable support in making the event a success.

Several distinguished guests, including Major Vijay Thapa, 2nd Incharge, 5 Bihar High Five Bodhkharboo, and Ravinder Sharma, Assistant Director of NZCC, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of preserving Ladakh’s artistic heritage.

On this occasion, Councilor Stakchey Khangral Constituency, along with the villagers of Bodhkharboo, extended traditional Khataks to all school teachers, led by Dawa Putit, Headmaster of Government High School Bodhkharboo, as a tribute to their dedication and commitment to educational reform in Bodhkharboo. Their punctuality and dedication have greatly contributed to the success of Bodhkharboo High School.

On the occasion, Councilor Kacho Layaqat Khan, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the traditional artists who travelled from various parts of the Shakar Chiktan Valley to participate in the celebration.

As a token of his gratitude and support, he contributed a generous cash amount to several groups, including Rs. 5,000 to the Ama Tsogspa Bodhkharboo, Rs. 5,000 to the school students of Government High School Bodhkharboo, Rs. 5,000 to Ama Tsogspa Kukshow, Rs. 3,000 to Ama Tsogspa Mundik, Rs. 3,000 to Hinaskote, Rs.3000 to Balti Cultural Troupe and Rs. 3,000 to the representatives from Samrah village. This contribution reflects his commitment to supporting Ladakh’s cultural heritage and honoring the dedication of its traditional artists.

The festival concluded on a joyful note, with cultural troupes joining in a traditional sNaima Tses performance, embodying the spirit of unity and harmony among Ladakh’s diverse communities.

Together, the Srub-La Festival and Lok Virasat program reaffirm Ladakh’s vibrant cultural legacy, ensuring that these cherished traditions are preserved for future generations. The program proceedings were conducted by senior announcers Dechen Zangmo and Tsewang Rigzin.