A five day long Bonona-Mega Harvest Festival or ‘Chhopo Srubla’ concluded on November 4 at Garkone, Lchangrah. 

The Mega Harvest Festival is the most popular and eventful celebrated rotation wise after every 3 years in the Aryan valleys of Garkone and Dah. During Bonona, people of these villages come out in their traditional dress and festive mood to celebrate the festival where the 18 songs about the origin of the Dard Aryans and the history of their migration and settlement in the present valleys are sung.

CEC, Hill Council, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan said that traditional festivals are an integral component of the identity of a community or race and holding of such events showcasing the folklore and folk traditions assume great significance in the present era.

He congratulated the local population of Garkone village for having organized the festival. He appreciated their level of cultural consciousness and stated that this will go a long way in ensuring the preservation of the rich cultural and traditional treasure of the Dard Aryans who have known the world over for their distinct features and traditions.

Underlining the potential of cultural tourism in the Aryan belt of the district to supplement the economy of the local population, Feroz Ahmed Khan assured that all requisite facilities including road connectivity, water and power supply, healthcare, telecommunication, and internet facilities will be augmented to facilitate tourists visiting the area.

Local unemployed youth and young entrepreneurs would be extended all-out financial support through subsidy schemes to establish hotels, guest houses, camping sites, resorts, homestays, and other related facilities, the CEC assured.

Later, he also interacted with the members of the Aryan Youth Foundation (AYF) Garkone and appreciated their efforts towards the promotion of the Dard Aryan Culture at various levels.

CEC informed the members of AYF that out of ₹10 lakh sanctioned by the LAHDC Kargil for the establishment of Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) in Garkone village, ₹3 lakh have already been released. The rest of the funds would be released in due course of time so that the YEC comes up at the earliest for the benefit of the local youth.