Kargil, April 17: The fourth day of the ongoing Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 was celebrated with vibrant cultural fervor and enthusiastic community participation at Shilikchay, Kargil.
The event was graced by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Feroz as the chief guest; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Suse as the guest of honour; along with ADC Imteeaz Kacho, Director Tourism Ladakh Kunzes Angmo, AD Tourism Kargil Rehmatullah Bhat, and the Director of Horticulture.
The guests were welcomed with traditional khataqs and invited to explore various ethnic food and handicraft stalls showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kargil. Ex-Sarpanch Mohammad Abbass delivered the formal welcome address.
The program began with the national anthem, followed by a welcome speech by AD Tourism Rehmatullah Bhat. He greeted the dignitaries, tourists, and the public, encouraging everyone to enjoy the performances and ethnic displays.
Executive Councillor Kacho Mohammad Feroz praised the organizers and participants for preserving and promoting Kargil’s culture through the festival. He emphasized the importance of delivering impactful messages through such events and lauded the efforts of Self-Help Groups and ethnic stall exhibitors.
He also suggested that tourism information groups should be present at every event to assist tourists in exploring more destinations. Visiting tourists appreciated the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Suse commended the Tourism Department for organizing the festival and thanked the cultural and theatre groups for their performances. He underlined the importance of promoting tourism to attract visitors and strengthen the local economy.
At the event, ADC Imteeaz Kacho congratulated the organizing committee, students, cultural groups, and local artisans. He assured continued support for future performances and suggested that the RANThAG Theatre Group present their play in Hindi to reach a broader audience. He also emphasized minimizing the use of chemicals in agriculture to encourage sustainable farming.
Earlier, students from Govt. Model Middle School Kargil presented a melodious Tarana, while Govt. Middle School Beyathang performed a thought-provoking drama titled “Ittefaq Mein Taqat,” promoting unity and communal harmony.
The Ladakh Theatre Group presented a moving skit reflecting the life of local farmers. It addressed issues such as pollution, the use of chemicals in farming, and the health benefits of apricots, concluding with a poetic message titled “Phoolon Ka Paigham” (The Message of Flowers).
RANThAG Theatre Group Kargil staged a powerful play on the theme of “Education with Agriculture,” urging educated youth to actively participate in plantation drives and adopt sustainable farming practices.
Govt. Middle School Poyen, Kargil showcased an impressive short visual documentary highlighting apricot blossoms and the importance of plant preservation.
A memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and other dignitaries, outlining local demands such as the construction of a footbridge from Omachikhan to Kharul, provision of camping tents, promotion of village homestays, and improvements to road infrastructure, including black-topping.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ex-Sarpanch Abbass of Shilikchay, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants, cultural groups, and attendees. He also called for the promotion of border tourism at Shilikchay via Hunderman and emphasized the area’s potential as a camping and viewpoint destination at the confluence of rivers.
The fourth day of the Apricot Blossom Festival ended on a high note with strong messages of environmental awareness, cultural pride, and community unity—reaffirming Kargil’s potential as a vibrant tourism destination.
