\r\nThree-day long Ladakh Festival concluded with a participation of tourist from all over the world and locals from September 20 to 23 in Leh.\r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nOn an inaugural day, people from different parts of Ladakh dressed up in their traditional attire, cultural groups and students took out a cultural procession from Karzoo and concluded at Polo ground, Leh.\r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nLt. Gen. S.K Upadaya, chief guest said that Ladakh is a unique and wonderful place in India and has everything that one can possibly seek, look and aspire for. The people of Ladakh have preserved its rich cultural heritage and traditions since time immemorial which has made this place more special, attracting thousands of tourists across the world. \r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nAppreciating the culture programme of different artist groups, he said that such performance will not only offer tourists a real window to the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh but will give a holistic experience of witnessing different culture and traditions of different far-flung parts of Ladakh where it is not accessible or left unexplored.\r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nMahmood Ahmad Shah, Director, Tourism J&K said that Ladakh has seen a continuous increase in the influx of tourist along with it the region has also developed its infrastructure.\r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nTalking about the various schemes and benefits to boost tourism sector, he said that the Tourism department has different schemes and programme such as the conversion of residential houses into paying guest houses, which gives the tourist grassroots knowledge about the local way of living, tradition, and culture very closely. \r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\n“Government of India also supports and supplements various tourist facilities in Leh. At present a project cost ₹ 32.00 crore under PMDP is going on in Leh including wayside facility along the Leh –Manali and Leh-Nubra roads”, he added.\r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nHe also informed about the upcoming ‘Trans Himalayan Culture’ project which is expected to be commissioned next year to further boost the tourism sector in Leh.\r\n

\r\n
\r\n

\r\nVarious events such as Traditional and contemporary painting exhibition by J&K Cultural Academy, Leh, Mask dance, Handicraft exhibition and food stalls, Polo Match, and archery competition made the festival spectacular.\r\n