Two-days long Ladakh Festival Kargil 2022 was inaugurated by CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium Bemathang on July 23.

CEC Khan hailed the artists from Lahoul Spiti district, Leh district, and local artists for presenting their culture and diversity at the festival. He emphasized the preservation of culture and tradition for the promotion of tourism. He said that Zanskar Festival which is scheduled in September will also be held at a mega level that will ensure the participation of huge tourists.

He said that these festivals are instrumental in preserving the culture and tradition of the region. CEC, Khan further emphasized the extension of the tourist season from two to four more months including the winter solstice. He appealed to both government and private tourism stakeholders to play their role in the promotion of the tourism sector.

Secretary Tourism and Culture, Mehboob Ali Khan said that Ladakh, having its unique geographical features and cultural diversity, has the potential to boost tourism.

He spoke about various initiatives taken by the department for tourists in the region especially the compulsory acclimatization, infrastructural development, and exploration of adventure sports and tourist attraction sites.

DC Kargil thanked the Tourism Department and Ladakh Academy of Arts Culture and Languages for successfully conducting the festival. He said that Kargil has a rich cultural and linguistic diversity that must be a good fortune for the promotion of tourism in the district.

He also spoke about various initiatives like homestay policy and other tourism-related activities taken by Tourism Department and District Administration Kargil.

On the occasion, traditional archery matches and horse polo were also played. Artists from Lahaul, Spiti, Leh, and Kargil presented a colorful cultural program that enthralled the audience.