The Two days 'Annual Food and Craft festival, Ladakh' organised by Women’s Alliance of Ladakh (WAL) in collaboration with Navdanya, an NGO,  was commemorated on 11-12th August at WAL office's yard to exhibit local cuisine, crafts and traditional wear. A formal  function was called on at Conference Hall of WAL wherein more than 80 locals and tourist  partake in function.

Women's association (Ama Tsokpa) from different villages of Leh district gathered together at the venue and demonstrated their culinary flair has made almost all local Ladakhi dishes, such as Skyu, Pawa, Tabu, Taki Rhamo and Spak, Taki Khambir, Chanthuk, Tsonmai Soup, Tsonmai Mokmok and so forth. Ladakhi traditional wear: Bok, Kandop, Pabu and other local knitted hats and gloves on exhibit were for sale as well.

Thupstan Chhewang, MP was graced the Chief guest. Other dignitaries presented were: Konchok Namgyal, LGA President; Dr. Tundup, LBA President; Mohd. Deen, President  LEHO; Dr. Vandana Shiva, Director Navdanya; monks from various monasteries, Norbu Gyaltsen, MLC; Lobsang Wangchuk; Fathma Bano, President Women Centre and many more.

The function began with traditional Buddhist culture of lighting up a butter lamp, as on any auspicious day, was lit by the Chief Guest. Ama Tsering, Vice President WAL acknowledge all the guest and officially welcomed everyone. Dr. Deen, President LEHO, in his speech,  appreciated WAL's endeavours of putting spotlight and raising matter on 'sustainable organic agriculture' and their effort in teaching and exhibiting the local cuisine.

Tsewang Dorjay read out the proposal presented to Ladakh MP, Tupstan Chhewang;  'Ladakh Declaration for scaling up Agro-ecology' prepared by WAL in collaboration with Navdanya, to reaffirm their commitment towards Organic Ladakh.The petition read: We are also committed to make all possible efforts to make Ladakh organic as a follow-up of the Thimphu declaration for the promotion of Agro-ecology in the Mountainous regions of the world. Thimphu Declaration was adopted by the participants from more than 30 mountain countries and regions including Ladakh during the International conference organised at Thimphu, Bhutan from 5-8th March 2014. CEC Ladakh Rigzin Spalbar also graced the occasion with Dr. Mohammed Deen, President LEHO.

The conference was jointly organised by Navdanya, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest, Thimphu, Bhutan, IFOAM and Millennium Institute.

In Ladakh LAHDC, Navdanya, LEHO and WAL have already started initiative towards the Organic Ladakh. To make the Organic Ladakh a reality.

Dr.Tundup appreciated the action taken by WLA in regards to their commitment to Organic Ladakh. He spoke on the importance of blending traditional methods of farming with modern technology for better productivity.

Sheikh Saif-ud-din, President Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam  spoke at the event and appealed WAL to continue their effort in preservation of Ladakhis' waning culture n tradition.

Mohd. Iqbal, President PAGIR talked about importance of keeping environment clean. He also appreciated WAL's successful effort of banning polythene at Ladakh.

Namgyal, LGA President; Fathma Bano, President Women Centre; Norbu Gya,ltsen, MLC; Dr. Vandana Shiva, Director Navdanya; Sonam, Former President WAL and Thupstan Chhewang, MP also shared their thoughts.

Norbu Gyaltsen was presented customary propitious scarf, Khatak, for the fund he donated to WAL.

The function ended with a thank-you speech by Ama Angmo, President WAL.
 
At around 2pm, Lunch was served for Guest, tourist and locals who savoured the dishes with every one complimenting the mothers, Amalay, for their cookery skills and keeping local food alive.