10th Zanskar Festival in Ladakh on 20-21 September

Why in the news ?

• The 10th edition of the Zanskar Festival will be held in Ladakh on 20th and 21st September.
• This festival is considered one of the most important cultural events in the region, aiming to preserve and promote Ladakh's rich heritage, ethnic diversity, and traditional practices.

Cultural programs and attractions

• This year, around ten thousand visitors are expected to attend the festival.
• Artists, cultural troupes from various states, and tribal groups from Ladakh will participate.
• Special attractions include rafting, archery exhibitions, cultural programs, departmental stalls, and exhibitions of government schemes.
• The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the active participation of village communities to ensure direct income generation for local people.

Ladakh:

Ladakh is a mountainous region in northern India, known for its high Himalayan peaks and cold climate.

• Geographical location: Ladakh is located in the northern part of the Jammu & Kashmir region of India, bordered by China in the north, Tibet in the east, Pakistan in the west, and Himachal Pradesh in the south.
• Political status: In August 2019, Ladakh was separated from Jammu & Kashmir and became a Union Territory (UT).
• Climate: Ladakh has a cold, dry, high-altitude climate. In winters, temperatures can drop to -30°C.
• Culture: The culture is based mainly on Tibetan Buddhism. Ladakhi people predominantly follow Buddhism and Islam.
• Languages: The main languages are Ladakhi (of Tibetan origin), Urdu, and Hindi.
• Major cities: Leh is the capital of Ladakh, while the Kargil region holds historical and strategic importance.
• Tourism: Famous sites include Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Khardung La Pass, and Hemis Monastery.
• Cultural festivals: Zanskar Festival and Hemis Festival are the major traditional festivals here.
• Strategic importance: Ladakh is strategically significant due to its proximity to the India-China and India-Pakistan borders.
• Natural resources: The desert and mountainous regions contain minerals, snow, and tourism-related resources.