Kargil, September 09: Deputy Commissioner/ CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the 10th edition of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival, scheduled to be held on September 20th–21th, 2025. The meeting was attended by senior officials and representatives from various departments.
During the review, DC Kargil assessed preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival at different venues. He emphasized that the festival is not just an event but an opportunity to promote Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage, ethnic tribes, and traditional practices.
The Deputy Secretary, Cultural Academy Nazir Hussain informed the DC that tribal groups from different regions have been invited to showcase their culture. Stressing the importance of community engagement, Rakesh Kumar said that active involvement of village communities is vital, assuring financial and logistical support wherever required. He directed that the festival must be organized on a grander scale than the previous year.
Key arrangements reviewed included seating, security, waterproof tents, tarpaulin collection, medical aid, promotional activities, boarding, lodging, power backup and others. The DC laid special emphasis on departmental stalls, instructing each department to set up the maximum number of stalls possible. With an expected footfall of nearly 10,000 visitors, he termed the festival a golden opportunity to promote both Ladakhi culture and government initiatives.
He also directed departments to provide adequate manpower for smooth management. The DC highlighted the need for arrangements for private media coverage, influencers’ accommodation, adventure sports like rafting, archery exhibitions, performances by artists from different states, and displays of government schemes including banking services.
Promoting homestays and guesthouses was stressed to ensure local income generation. He also sought the support of contractors and merchant associations to make the festival a success. The DC further informed about the proposed Padum–Manali Road Rally, aimed at boosting tourist inflow and strengthening tourism infrastructure.
Concluding the meeting, DC Rakesh Kumar announced that the next review will be held on-site at Zanskar with officials to finalize arrangements. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, the 10th Ladakh Zanskar Festival will be a grand success and reflect the fusion of Ladakh’s culture with India’s diverse traditions.
