Group of local artists named, ‘Kangsing-Snow and Ice Sculpture Association’ came up with an idea of Ice &Snow Sculpture in Ladakh. Though each artist has its style and works on different mediums but as a team, they came up to work on ice and snow which is available in abundance. They use their skill and talent by creating pieces of art using ice and snow to attract tourists from all over the world. 

From the year 2018, the artists have been sculpting with ice on a very small scale in Ladakh and have participated in many international events and represented India such as Kiruna International Snow Festival in 2018 and  Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China in 2019. 
Highly influenced by the ice and snow festivals in other countries, they came up with the idea of holding such Ice and Snow Festival which will boost winter tourism in Ladakh. 

The Kangsing team comprised of Tsering Gurmet, Chemet Dorjay,  Stanzin Nurboo, Tashi Namgyal, Stanzin Wangyal,  Stanzin Motup, Tundup Dorjay, Sonam Gyaltson, skalzang Otsal, Jamyang Namgyal, Stanzin Norgais, Skalzang Olden, Tsering Youdol, Stanzin Samphel,  Phuntsog Namgyal and Urgain Zawa  committed  to take this initiative forward. The team was supported by Dr. Nordan Otzer, Stanzin Chonjor Dawa and Tashi Wangtak to carry out the work forward.

Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation and shortage of funds, the artists decided to make it on a low key as First Ladakh Ice &Snow Sculpture Workshop to showcase as a model so that it can be replicated in the coming years on a large scale.

After two long months of hard work, the First Ladakh Ice &Snow Sculpture workshop was concluded on February 11. Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur appreciated Kangsing team led by President, Tsering Gurmet Kungyam for taking the initiative of organising the workshop. He said that the youths of Ladakh has great talent in every field and can take Ladakh to new heights. 

He also stated Ladakh as one of the few places in India blessed with snowfall and ice and said that the people of Ladakh should utilise the resources available in abundance.  He said that such winter activities can create new opportunities and  give new perspectives to the winter of Ladakh 

LG Mathur further assured Administration support and assistance for machinery required for making ice sculptures for next year’s event. 

The challenges were there to make the site presentable to all the people. But with the support of Ladakh police headed by Additional Director General Of Police, Satish Khandare the artists gained the confidence to work. Ladakh Police donated ₹5 lakhs to purchase the machines etc. Also, the Contractor association and some individuals came forward and supported the work. 
Dr Nordan said, “ I learnt that this journey was not easy at all. Initially, they did not get much support from local government authorities as believing in such a huge dream was not forthcoming. They needed some funds to start and that is when Ladakh police came to their rescue. The police also wanted to encourage the youth to focus on constructive work and remain active and occupied during peak winter months”.

Working with snow and ice without proper equipment and machines seems to be a difficult task and to make it available for smooth work is challenging because of funds constraints. 

Nordan Odzer informed that the snowmaking machines were required for such a large festival park and to make standardised snow sculptures. It cost over ₹26 lakhs. The Kangsing team contacted Indrajeet Kakade and Murugan from the Technofrost company to provide support. They invited him to visit Ladakh and see their work. Murugan was highly moved and understood their requirements and customised the machine for ₹7 lakhs. A real Godsend. 

“The artists stayed in tents near the Zanskar river in nearly -20 degrees temperature, cut blocks of ice with normal chisels and saws and transported them to the ice festival site to make sculptures. This is what is called pure passion and dedication. They were not paid any remuneration or fees for their hard work, yet, nothing stopped them. They did all this work completely voluntarily. All for their Ladakh”, he added.

Team Kangsing paves a new way to boost winter tourism in Ladakh and a new medium for the young artist to work upon specially during the winter months. Kangsing is all set to carry forward the idea of the Snow and Ice festival in Ladakh in the coming years.