The Apricot Blossom Festival was held at Dha-Bema Lasthang and was graced by the State Election Commissioner of UT Ladakh.

Dha-Bema Lasthang, April 09, 2026:
The Apricot Blossom Festival was held at Dha-Bema Lasthang and was graced by the State Election Commissioner of UT Ladakh- Shri Sudhanshu Pandey (IAS, Retd.), Secretary to the Commission- Sh. Shiv Kumar Gupta, Private Secretary, Sh. R.M Bhisht, Mr. Tsering Paldan(JKAS) Director Tourism, SDM Khaltsi- Mr. Mohammad Sharif, and Ms. Padma Angmo (JKAS), Assistant Director Tourism.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Assistant Director, Ms. Padma Angmo, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries and tourists and highlighted the importance of promoting local culture and tourism.
Cultural dance performances were presented from Skurbuchan village, Achinathang village, Dha village, and students of Govt. School Hanu village.
A significant number of tourists, including visitors from the USA, Russia, and various parts of India, attended the festival.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sudhanshu Pandey appreciated the organizers for conducting the programme and encouraged tourists to support local artists. He expressed his delight in attending the festival at Dha-Bema Lasthang and praised the performances.
He noted that the festival reflects the beauty of India’s flower traditions, comparable to cherry blossom festivals, and emphasized that its cultural essence and fragrance should reach wider audiences. He further stated that the festival deserves to be included as a regular event in the official calendar and assured his support for its promotion.
He also highlighted the scenic beauty of Dha-Bema Lasthang and suggested that such locations have the potential to attract Bollywood, appreciating the talent of local students and artists.