Ladakh Festival 2025 kick starts in Leh.

Ladakh Festival 2025 kick starts in Leh.
Leh, Sept 21, 2025: The Ladakh Festival 2025 commenced today in Leh with grandeur and vibrant cultural celebrations, marking the beginning of a four-day extravaganza dedicated to showcasing the region’s rich heritage, arts, and traditions. The inaugural ceremony witnessed an overwhelming turnout, reflecting the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the event.
Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, inaugurated the festival and graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Acclaimed Bollywood actor Siddhant Chaturvedi joined as the Guest of Honour, adding further charm to the celebration.
The festivities opened with a colorful Cultural Parade, beginning at the historic Karzu Zing and culminating at Leh Main Market. The procession featured traditional dances, folk music, horse and camel riders, and diverse cultural representations of Ladakh, delighting residents, tourists, monks, and cultural troupes alike.
Activities were spread across multiple venues in Leh, each highlighting a unique aspect of Ladakh’s cultural identity.
Leh Palace: The Archaeological Survey of India presented an exhibition “From Ruins to Revival”, showcasing rare archival collections and conservation projects safeguarding Ladakh’s heritage.
Eco Park & Leh Main Market: Bustling stalls displayed handicrafts, handlooms, and traditional cuisines, while artisans demonstrated pottery, weaving, basketry, and shoemaking, offering visitors a hands-on cultural experience.
Cultural Stage at Main Market: Screenings of tourism documentaries and short films highlighted Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes and growing global appeal.
The evening program featured a spectacular light-and-sound show narrating Ladakh’s history, followed by enthralling folk performances from regional artists and troupes. The celebrations continued with “Era of Echoes”, a high-energy concert blending modern and traditional music, and “Celestial Journey – An Astronomy Discovery” at Shanti Stupa, where visitors marveled at the pristine night skies under expert guidance. Free shuttle services from the Old Bus Stand were provided for attendees.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson spoke on the vision behind the Ladakh Festival. He emphasized that while many tourists cannot experience the full spectrum of Ladakh’s culture in short visits, the festival provides a concentrated platform to showcase its arts, music, and traditions, while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods. Highlighting the dependence of Ladakh’s communities on tourism, he stressed that the festival helps sustain families, creates educational opportunities for children, and strengthens local businesses, including hotels, guest houses, and taxi operators affected by fluctuating tourist inflows. He also appreciated the pivotal role of Secretary Tourism, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, in enhancing the festival’s creativity, inclusivity, and overall appeal.
The inaugural function was attended by Secretary Tourism & Culture Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, DC Leh Shri Romil Singh Donk, BJP State President Shri Tashi Gyalson Khachu, Director Tourism Shri Tsering Paldan, ADC Leh Shri Ghulam Mohd., ADDC Leh Shri Sonam Nurboo, Director Health Dr. Tashi Thinles, Director Horticulture Shri Tsewang Phunchok, ASP Shri Regzin Sangdup, along with officers from the District and UT Administration. Prominent tourism stakeholders including LTTA President Shri P.T. Kunzang, ALHGHA President Ms. Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, and ALTOA General Secretary Shri Tseyang Namgyal were also present, alongside tourists and cultural participants from Ladakh and beyond.
Secretary Tourism & Culture, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, delivered the welcome address, while Deputy Commissioner Leh, Shri Romil Singh Donk, proposed the vote of thanks.
Jointly organized by the UT Administration of Ladakh, the Department of Tourism & Culture, Ministry of Tourism, LAHDC Leh, and Incredible India, the Ladakh Festival 2025 will continue over the next three days with a series of cultural performances, exhibitions, traditional sports, and artistic showcases.
The festival not only celebrates Ladakh’s timeless traditions but also reaffirms its standing as one of India’s most extraordinary cultural destinations, while promoting sustainable tourism and strengthening local livelihoods.