Leh, Sept 20, 2025: The 10th Edition of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival commenced today at Sani, Zanskar with great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the two-day festival and graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Lt Governor highlighted Zanskar’s immense yet largely untapped tourism potential, citing its breathtaking landscapes, ancient Buddhist heritage, and scope for adventure activities such as trekking and rafting. He said that Zanskar’s unspoiled charm could position it as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Ladakh, while the festival itself serves as a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural diversity and Ladakh’s timeless traditions.
Commending the organisers, the Lt Governor reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to promoting the Ladakh Zanskar Festival as a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and communal harmony. He added that the festival, with its blend of traditional music, dances, arts, crafts, and sports such as polo and archery, offers a unique cultural experience for visitors from across the country.
The Lt Governor further noted that the participation of over 1,200 cultural troupes from Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Manipur exemplifies India’s spirit of “unity in diversity.” Such events, he said, transcend religious and regional barriers while fostering harmony, love, and cultural exchange.
He also lauded the enthusiastic participation of the people of Zanskar and expressed gratitude to Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, the Festival’s Brand Ambassador, hoping his association would firmly place Zanskar on India’s tourism map. He called for fixed dates for both the Suru Summer Festival and the Ladakh Zanskar Festival to enable tourists to plan their visits well in advance, reiterating the Administration’s resolve to boost tourism and strengthen local livelihoods.
Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, reiterated that tourism development in Zanskar remains a top priority for the Hill Council, describing it as one of the most progressive sub-divisions of Kargil district due to the consistent efforts of public representatives. He assured continued focus on the region’s overall growth.
Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Shri Mohmad Haneefa Jan, called for the framing of a dedicated Tourism Policy for Kargil with adequate funding, stressing the importance of stronger promotion of festivals like Zanskar to attract visitors from across the globe.
Bollywood actor and Festival Brand Ambassador, Shri Amit Sadh, expressed his gratitude to the UT Administration and the Hill Council for the honour, pledging to promote Ladakh’s unique culture and traditions to wider audiences nationwide.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shri Rakesh Kumar, delivered the welcome address.
