Ladakh Cultural Academy Kargil Hosts Srub-La Festival & Lok Virasat Celebration of Harvest Season.

Ladakh Cultural Academy Kargil Hosts Srub-La Festival & Lok Virasat Celebration of Harvest Season in Kargil, UT Ladakh
Bodhkarboo, Kargil, October 28, 2024 - The scenic village of Bodhkharboo was transformed today as the annual Srub-La Festival, a celebration honoring Kargil’s dedicated farmers and their bountiful harvest season, took center stage. Drawing participants and spectators from across Kargil and neighboring 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 the 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.
The celebration began with the arrival of honored guests, including government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the Indian Army. On this auspicious occasion, Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffar 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, Chief Guest Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhoon, Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, 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.
Dr. Akhoon 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 Sh. Padma Dorjey, Hon’ble Councilor of Stakchey Khangral Constituency, for his continuous efforts toward the well-being and development of his community. He commended Mr. Dorjey’s commitment to his constituents and his role in advancing their quality of life.
In his speech, Sh. Phunchok Tashi, Hon’ble Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, 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.

[@Drassonline]

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