Skyurbuchan, April 10, 2025: The Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Skyurbuchan village in Leh district. This is the first Apricot Blossom Festival of the season organized by Department of Tourism, Leh UT Ladakh in collaboration with LAHDC Leh and villagers of Skyurbuchan. Hon’ble Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Sh Ghulam Mehdi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event commenced with traditional Ladakhi music, creating a mesmerizing ambiance, and featured local cuisine stalls showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The event began with a welcome address by Ven. Stanzin Nurboo who welcomed the officials of the UT administration and everyone gathered for the event.  Assistant Director Tourism Department Leh Padma Angmo in her keynote address highlighted the breathtaking beauty of Sham Valley, comparing its white and pink apricot blossoms to a heavenly canvas painting. She mentioned that the festival was first initiated in 2021 to promote tourism and since then it has attracted a growing number of visitors each year. She also emphasised the significance of apricot cultivation in Ladakh which is renowned for its unique variety. 

The event featured vibrant folk dance performances by local artists dressed in traditional attire. A felicitation ceremony was also done during the occasion by Indian Army to honor local contributors from Skyubuchan for their support during the 1999 Kargil War. 

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Chief Planning Officer Tsewang Gyalson expressed administration commitment to promote tourism beyond Leh city by improving village facilities and expanding homestays and ensuring availability of essential resources for visitors. 

Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Mohammad (JKAS) emphasized the primary objective of promoting tourism throughout the year. He also appreciated the local cuisine stalls for providing authentic Ladakhi flavors. Further, he encouraged media and tourists to highlight the event urging everyone to explore the beauty of Ladakh which will help to boost the local economy. 

Chief Guest Hon’ble Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi in his address stressed on preserving Ladakh’s rich culture and traditions through festivals, encouraging local farmers to focus on organic fruit cultivation, especially apricots. He expressed that with better farming practice, local organic products can be exported to foreign countries which will give farmers new opportunities and boost local economy. Hon’ble Executive Councillor also encouraged the young artists for their cultural dance and appreciated the teachers of their respective schools.

The festival concluded on a positive note, aiming to make Skyurbuchan and other villages of Ladakh a must-visit destination on India’s tourism map. The event highlighted the potential for organic farming and exporting Ladakhi products, boosting the local economy and showcasing the region’s unique heritage. The festival was attended by SDM Khaltsi, Xen I&FC Leh, Xen R&B Division Khaltsi, Horticulture Development Officer Khaltsi, SHO Khaltsi, and other officers, officials, tourists and local residents who were delighted by the vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural experiences.