Twelve cultural troupes numbering around 200 artists from different areas of Kargil District participated in the cultural extravaganza entitled Kargil Losar (Ladakhi Traditional New Year) Folk Winter Folk Festival at Tourist Dak Bungalow Mulbekh on December 28.  

The day-long cultural event was organized under the aegis of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Kargil.

Plays on varied themes were also presented by the artists of Regional Art and Theatre Art Group (RANTHAK),Kargil. 

The festival was a part of the series of initiatives being taken by Cultural Academy Kargil to preserve and sustain the invaluable pieces of folk literature of Kargil area thus saving them from going into oblivion particularly in recollection of the traditional Ladakhi New Year festival Losar. Besides to provide a platform to the Purgi, Balti, Dardi and Shina folk artists representing the areas spread across Kargil district to present glimpses of their flamboyant folk songs and folklore in their traditional music and dance forms.

Executive Councillor for Agriculture and Health Muhammad Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion while as Deputy Commissioner,  Haji Gulzar Hussain was the guest of honor.

EC, Muhammad Hussain said that there is an urgent need to take steps in sustaining and preserving the glorious folk literature of Kargil which comprises of folk songs and folk tales based on social and moral ethos, communal harmony, peaceful coexistence, decency which are gradually fading away.

Deputy Commissioner,  Haji Gulzar Hussain emphasized upon the people to uphold and cherish the age-old virtues of morality, humanism, humility, religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the like which are the identity of the rich multiethnic traditions of Kargil region. He also impressed upon the need that every individual should contribute his bit to maintain peace and communal harmony which are undoubtedly the fundamentals for progress and development. He added that a number of languages across the globe are at the verge of extinction today since no serious steps are being taken to ensure their promotion and preservation.

SSP, Kargil Rahul Malik and Naib Tehsildar Shargole Muhammad Hassan also spoke on the occasion. 

Earlier in his welcome speech Nazir Hussain Deputy Secretary/ Special Officer for Culture G-1  said that the prime objective was to enable the folk artists especially the younger ones to relate to their roots, and to let them know the importance of indigenous dialects and traditions besides to further ensure their preservation especially in the wake of the waves of materialism and westernization where the traditional values are taking a back seat due to the overpowering influence of the outward cultures.

District Cultural Officer, Muhammad Ali Tak said that indigenous culture is the element that determines the identity of a particular race. He added that the folklore is one of the integral components of any community and the need of the hour is to pay immediate attention towards its promotion and preservation. 

District Cultural Officer Muhammad Ali Tak delivered the vote of thanks while as cultural

expert Tsewang Rigzin conducted the proceedings of the day-long cultural extravaganza.