Seventh Evening of Cultural Celebrations at Leh Main Market Draws Enthusiastic Crowds.

Seventh Evening of Cultural Celebrations at Leh Main Market Draws Enthusiastic Crowds.
Leh, May 8, 2026: The seventh evening of the ongoing cultural celebrations organised in connection with the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha filled Leh Main Market with music, colour and vibrant folk traditions as residents, tourists and devotees gathered in large numbers to witness performances from different parts of the country.
The cultural evenings are being organised by the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, under the theme “Peace Beyond Borders” to commemorate the 2569th Vesak Purnima. Shri Malik Aijaz (JKPS), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Sham District, UT Ladakh, attended the programme as the Chief Guest in the presence of other officials.
The evening commenced with the Presentation of Lharna, followed by performances by the LACS Cultural Group, Leh, including the graceful Shondol dance which reflected Ladakh’s rich artistic heritage.
Artists from Himachal Pradesh presented the traditional Deepak Nati from Sirmaur district, a folk dance associated with celebration and devotion where performers dance gracefully with lamps, creating a visually captivating atmosphere. Maharashtra Cultural Artists showcased the energetic Dhangari Gaja, a vibrant folk performance of the Dhangar shepherd community known for its rhythmic drum beats and spirited movements depicting rural life and festivities.
The programme further featured Ladakhi folk songs presented by Norzom, Angchuk Dorjay and Dorjay Spalzes, whose performances added a distinctly local flavour to the evening and received warm applause from the audience. The cultural night concluded with a lively musical performance by Ilyas Khan and Band, as the festive atmosphere at Leh Main Market grew more energetic with audiences clapping, singing along and dancing to the music. Many attendees, including youngsters and visitors, even came forward near the stage to dance to the lively beats, turning the evening into a joyful public celebration.
As the Sacred Relic Exposition continues to draw devotees from across the region and beyond, the parallel cultural evenings at Leh Main Market are emerging as a vibrant platform celebrating India’s diverse traditions while reinforcing the message of peace, harmony and cultural unity. The cultural celebrations will continue every evening till May 13, 2026.