STATE TIMES NEWS
PADUM: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday highlighted the immense yet untapped tourism potential of Zanskar, citing its breathtaking landscapes, ancient Buddhist heritage, and vast scope for adventure tourism including trekking and rafting. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 10th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2025 in Padum.
The Lt Governor emphasized that Zanskar’s pristine beauty and cultural richness can position it as one of Ladakh’s top tourist destinations. He praised the festival as a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural diversity and Ladakh’s timeless traditions.
Reaffirming the UT Administration’s commitment to promoting the Ladakh Zanskar Festival, LG Gupta said the event celebrates the region’s unique heritage through traditional music, dance, arts, crafts, and indigenous sports like polo and archery. He commended the enthusiastic participation of over 1,200 cultural troupes from states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Manipur, calling it a reflection of India’s “Unity in Diversity.”
He also thanked the people of Zanskar for their active participation and expressed special appreciation for Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, the Festival’s Brand Ambassador, stating that his association will help bring national attention to Zanskar. LG Gupta called for fixed annual dates for the Suru Summer Festival and Zanskar Festival to aid in better tourist planning.
Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, described Zanskar as one of Kargil’s most developed sub-divisions and affirmed the Hill Council’s ongoing efforts toward its further development and tourism promotion.
MP from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan, called for a dedicated Tourism Policy for Kargil, with sufficient funding and strategic promotion of events like the Zanskar Festival.
Amit Sadh expressed gratitude for being made Brand Ambassador and pledged to promote Ladakh’s unique culture across the nation.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar delivered the welcome address. The event’s highlights included Chhams by monks from Sani Monastery, performances by Karsha Jumma Cultural Association, TIPA, and traditional dances from Rajasthan and J&K.
Prior to the festival, the LG visited Sani Monastery and interacted with monks and local residents.
