Shillong Chamber Choir, Andaman & Nicobar troupe among key attractions; winter tourism package in works
Leh, Sep 25 (KNO): The Annual Ladakh Festival 2026 will feature cultural troupes from across the country, traditional sports, heritage exhibitions and local cuisine, Secretary Tourism Ladakh Sanjit Rodrigues said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Rodrigues said the three-day festival will begin on Saturday and will be inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
He said the cultural segment has been expanded this year, with the Shillong Chamber Choir leading the inaugural performance. A 14-member cultural troupe from Andaman and Nicobar and a 47-member troupe from the North Zone Cultural Centre will also perform during the festival.
Performances by artists from all districts of Ladakh, with a focus on emerging talent, are also part of the programme, he said.
To promote local culture, handloom, handicrafts and traditional cuisine exhibitions have been organised at the Municipal Park Market, while cultural performances and food stalls will remain major attractions.
Rodrigues said exhibition polo matches will be held at the upgraded Sushot Polo Ground, while the Ladakh Festival Archery Cup is being introduced this year with participation from top teams from all districts.
He said photo exhibitions on Ladakh’s built heritage will be displayed at Leh Palace, while works of local photographers and film screenings will be showcased at the Ranthen Gallery.
The Tourism Secretary said the festival is expected to further boost tourist arrivals and help promote Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
On women’s polo, he said both men’s and women’s exhibition matches will be held, while efforts are underway to further promote the sport in the region.
Regarding winter tourism, Rodrigues said the department is preparing a dedicated package centred on the Chadar Trek, wildlife tourism and the Khelo India Winter Games.
“The package will focus on winter sports, wildlife and winter treks, and its promotion will begin soon,” he said—(KNO)
