10th Evening of Cultural Celebrations Fills Leh Main Market with Music, Folk Traditions and Spiritual Spirit.

10th Evening of Cultural Celebrations Fills Leh Main Market with Music, Folk Traditions and Spiritual Spirit.
Leh, May 11, 2026: The 10th 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 gathering of music, dance and cultural traditions, drawing large crowds of residents, tourists and devotees alike.
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, the celebrations are being held under the theme “Peace Beyond Borders” to commemorate the 2569th Vesak Purnima. Hosts Tsewang Paldan and Yountan Angmo introduced the significance of the holy relics and the spirit behind the celebrations before the evening began with the traditional Lharna, an auspicious musical offering traditionally played for deities.
Kharnakling artists presented the energetic Jabro dance from Changthang, while the Ladakh Arts and Cultural Society performed the graceful “Chabskyan” dance, once associated with royal courts, where dancers carried fermented barley in their hands without spilling a drop. Achinomo Group impressed the audience with a performance on the Ladakhi song “Delwa,” blending modern style with traditional elements.
Artists from the Aryan Valley showcased the unique heritage of the Brokpa community through a colourful and beautifully synchronised performance reflecting their ancient traditions and distinctive cultural identity. Artists from Karnataka also presented “Pooja Kunitha,” a devotional folk dance dedicated to Goddess Shakti marked by rhythmic movements and ceremonial expressions.
SOS TCV Leh staged the sacred Tibetan opera Achi Lhamo, believed to have originated in the 14th century through Thangtong Gyalpo, featuring hand-painted masks and ritualistic drama that captivated the audience.
The evening also featured contemporary performances by emerging young artists including Rigzin Chosphel, while veteran singer Tashi Chosphel and the “nightingale of Ladakh” Padma Dolkar enthralled the audience with their soulful songs. The celebrations concluded on a lively and energetic note with Janfan Lalok, whose performance had the crowd cheering and singing along late into the evening.