Four cultural troupes numbering around 50 folk artists and musicians from Wakha Mulbekh area, and adjoining villages performed Purgi traditional music and dance performance on the occasion.

 

Haji Ghulam, EC for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry said Culture Academy of Kargil deserves appreciation for making persistent efforts for the preservation and promotion of the traditional music and dance forms of Kargil through such cultural festivals.

 

He further said that such events are an ideal reminder for the people of the area to reflect upon the nutritional value of the traditional food, the protective value of the traditional dress and the linguistic value of the traditional language.

 

Punchok Tashi, EC Tourism & Health in his address underlined the need to maintain and uphold the traditional ethical values in the present era. 

 

While pointing out the economic value of the historical places in Wakha Mulbekh area, Tashi said that it is very much fertile in terms of cultural tourism where many old time Gompas, mosques and other historical places are situated. 

 

Fida Hussain, Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil said that culture is the main component that determines the identity of a particular race, and the elements therein need immediate attention especially in the present time.

 

Muhammad Ali Tak,Cultural Officer while briefing about festival informed that this year it  was the first step towards the promotion and preservation of rich culture of Kargil in the far flung areas of Kargil. 

 

He highlighted the need to uphold and advocate these old traditional ethical values and the flamboyant folk tales and folk lore and pass them on to the younger generation, so as to ensure that their essence remains unaffected even in the ages to come, which will in turn be a befitting gift to our posterity to cherish and appreciate of us.

 

Among others who were present on the occasion included local councilors, representatives of several local area organizations,  district and block officers, media representatives  and a gathering of the general public.