Tsewang Rigzin
LEH, Apr 10: With the arrival of spring, Ladakh’s valleys are turning pink and white with the bloom of apricot flowers, to celebrate the season.
This year, the Union Territory has kicked off its annual Apricot Blossom Festivals from Skurbuchan village, in the beautiful picturesque Sham Valley.
Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh, Ghulam Mehdi inaugurated the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “The festival was started with the aim to promote Ladakh as a round the year tourist destination.”
Padma Angmo, Assistant Director of Tourism, said, “The idea was inspired by Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival. We wanted to create something similar to celebrate Ladakh’s springtime beauty and culture.”
Organised by the Tourism Department, UT of Ladakh, the festival aims to attract tourists throughout the year and showcase the region’s natural beauty and culture.
The colourful events are drawing locals, Indian tourists and even international visitors, who want to enjoy the spring in Ladakh.
Set among blooming apricot orchards, the festivals offer something for everyone – local food made from apricots and buckwheat, stalls displaying village produce, handicrafts, traditional music, dance and cultural performances.
At Skurbuchan, villagers warmly welcomed guests with homemade dishes and locally grown products.
More than one thousand people were estimated to have attended the opening event today in Skurbuchan today.
The village lies about 140 km from Leh city.
The Apricot Blossom Festival is quickly becoming a spring tradition in Ladakh-celebrating nature, community and culture
The festival, which began in 2021, will continue in different villages over the coming weeks.
In Kargil district, events will be held in Sanjak (11 April), Garkhone (13 April), Hardass (15 April), Shiligtse (17 April), Minjee Gongma (19 April) and Karkichoo (21 April).
In Leh district, Alchi village will host it on 13 April, Domkhar on 16 April, Sumoor on 22 April and Tar on 4 May, which will be the end of this spring festival.
Among other who attended the inaugural ceremony included Councilor Skurbuchan, Lhundup Dorjay and ADC Leh Ghulam Mohd.
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