In an effort to preserve the legacy of the heritage silk route trade, a two-day Siachen folk festival has been organised in the Nubra valley of Ladakh.

The festival has provided an opportunity for the domestic and foreign tourists to have a look into the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.

The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) provided back up to the local villages in showcasing their cultural heritage. The Festival was held at the historical Polo Ground, Chamshen, Nubra and concluded on Sunday.

The festival was inaugurated by Rigzin Wangdus, Councillor, Tegar-Sumoor. The head (Goba) of Chamshen and Charasa villages, Tsering Angchuk, in his welcome speech said that the venue used to be a polo ground on the famous silk route during the silk route trade and it is being revived to host the Siachen Folk Festival.

Cultural programmes, archery competition, traditional food stalls in willow wattle sheds (tsele) and lottery draw were the major highlights of the festival. The archery competition was organized separately for traditional bows and arrows as well as for modern bows and arrows to spread awareness, particularly among the younger generation and to revive the centuries-old sport of Ladakh. The traditional archery was financially supported by the HCHF.

Colourful folk dances and songs were presented by cultural groups from Chamshen, Panamik, Pinchimik, Hunder, Sumoor, Kyagar and other places. SDM Nubra, Sonam Nurboo, the chief guest of the event, congratulated Chamskong Chostsogs Tsogspa, Chamshen. He said that this festival should be promoted not only to attract tourists to Nubra valley but also for educating the local people about the importance of culture and heritage.

The guest of honour, Dr Sonam Wangchok, founder HCHF, appreciated members of Chamskong Chostsogs Tsogspa and the villagers of Chamshen village for initiating several programmes through the festival, keeping in mind the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Ladakh.

He cherished the unity and cooperative system followed in Chamshen village without any generation or other gaps, especially to organize the Siachen Folk Festival. “As long as the villagers unitedly organize the festival with purpose, HCHF will support in whatever way is possible,” said Dr Wangchok.

Rigzin Wangdus, Councillor, Tegar-Sumoor also assured full support to the organizers in years to come. Rinchen Wangdus, president of Chanskong Chostsogs Tsogspa, Chamshen, said that the festival was initiated five years ago with the aim of reviving and preserving the cultural legacy of Nubra valley in particular and Ladakh in general. He said that the festival helps in inculcating interest and value for cultural heritage among the Ladakhi people, especially the youth. He also said that the organizers are improving the festival every year with the guidance of concerned organizations and experienced people.

The Festival was organized by Chamskong Chostsog Tsogspa in collaboration with the villagers of Chamshen village to complement the polo ground on the famous silk route with aim of preserving culture and heritage and the festival will be held on the first weekend (Saturday & Sunday) of June every year.