Ninth Evening of Cultural Celebrations at Leh Main Market Enthrals Audiences.

Ninth Evening of Cultural Celebrations at Leh Main Market Enthrals Audiences.
Leh, May 10, 2026: The ninth evening of the cultural celebrations organised in connection with the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha transformed Leh Main Market into a vibrant confluence of music, dance and cultural harmony, attracting large gatherings of residents, devotees and visitors from across the region.
The celebrations 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.
Smt. Tashi Dolma, JKAS, Special Secretary, Home/GAD, UT Ladakh, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. She was felicitated with a memento by Dr. Sagar Doifode, IAS, Special Secretary to the Government, Agriculture Production Department, J&K.
The evening commenced with the traditional presentation of Lharna, creating a spiritual and festive atmosphere for the cultural programme.
Artists from Karnataka mesmerised the audience with the energetic folk performance of Veeragase, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of southern India. The Nubra Cultural Troupe presented the graceful Mentok Stanmo (Flower Dance), traditionally performed during the spring season as an expression of gratitude & devotion to the deities, followed by the vibrant Chab Skyen dance. Audiences also enjoyed the lively Deepak Dance from Himachal Pradesh and the popular Jabro performance by the SAVE Cultural Troupe.
A major highlight of the evening was the soulful presentation by Padma Shri awardee Morup Namgyal and his group, who performed traditional Ladakhi folk songs narrating stories of Wanla Lonpo and King Kesar of Ling. The group also presented a devotional composition specially written by Padma Shri Morup Namgyal on the sacred arrival and public veneration of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata in Ladakh.
Padma Shri Morup Namgyal was felicitated by Smt. Tashi Dolma during the programme. While receiving the honour, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Ladakh through an emotional note of thanks.
The cultural evening concluded with an energetic musical performance by Shri Tundup Dorjey Stakmo, who enthralled the audience with his evergreen Ladakhi melodies. Young Ladakhi artists KK Tundup and Rigzin Dorjey also performed, further elevating the festive spirit at Leh Main Market. Enthusiastic crowds clapped, sang along and danced to the lively tunes, while many youngsters and visitors gathered near the stage, turning the venue into a joyful celebration of culture and community spirit.
As the Sacred Relic Exposition continues to draw devotees and visitors from across the country and abroad, the parallel cultural evenings at Leh Main Market are emerging as a vibrant platform for showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and promoting the shared values of peace, harmony and unity. The celebrations will continue every evening till May 13, 2026.