Kargil, January 13: The Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today attended the closing ceremony of the Drass Winter Carnival ‘Jashn-e-Fateh’ – 2026, organised by the Fire and Fury Corps at the Ice Hockey Stadium, Drass.
The grand finale marked the conclusion of a 10-day celebration of sports, culture, and community spirit, held amidst the icy heights and breathtaking landscape of one of the coldest inhabited regions in the world. The closing ceremony was graced by several distinguished civil and military dignitaries, including Major General K. Mahesh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Forever in Operations Division, Brigadier Ashish Bhalla, Sena Medal, Commander Drass Warriors Brigade, Councillor Abdul Wahid, Councillor Abdul Samad, several senior civil and military officers, large number of spectators, sports enthusiasts and local inhabitants of Drass.
The carnival stood as a testament to the resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit of the people of Drass, who braved sub-zero temperatures to participate in and celebrate the event. A major highlight of the carnival was a series of thrilling traditional sporting competitions, including Ice Hockey (Men’s and Women’s), Archery (Men’s and Women’s), and Tent Pegging, which showcased the exceptional skill, discipline, and determination of local athletes.
Adding rich cultural depth to the festivities were captivating traditional dance performances by local troupes, beautifully reflecting the Shina, Balti, and Purgi heritage of the region. An exhilarating martial arts demonstration by the Karate Club, Drass, further enthralled the audience, highlighting youth talent and physical excellence.
Over the years, the Drass Winter Carnival has evolved into a premier annual event, providing a vital platform for local talent to flourish and aspire for excellence at national and international levels. The event attracted spectators from across Ladakh and beyond, fostering cultural exchange, community bonding, and a strong sense of national integration.
The Drass Winter Carnival ‘Jashn-e-Fateh’ stands as a shining example of the Indian Army’s continued commitment to promoting local culture, nurturing youth talent, empowering border communities, and strengthening national unity in the remote frontier regions of the country.
