Leh, May 9 : A three-day workshop on traditional Himalayan art and heritage conservation practices, organised by the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in connection with the ongoing Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata in Leh, concluded on Thursday with active participation from students, researchers and visitors.
Held from May 6 to 8, the workshop focused on preserving and promoting the region’s artistic and cultural traditions through practical training sessions conducted by experts and faculty members from various specialised departments of the institute.
The programme was organised jointly by the Himalayan Sculpture Department, Thangka Painting Department, Himalayan Woodcarving Department and Manuscript Conservation Department of CIBS, providing participants with hands-on exposure to traditional techniques associated with Himalayan art and heritage preservation.
Around 50 participants, including students from the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), besides visiting tourists, attended the workshop and engaged in interactive learning sessions over the three-day programme.
Participants were introduced to traditional methods of sculpture, thangka painting, wood carving and manuscript conservation, while discussions also focused on the importance of safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices in the Himalayan region.
Faculty members and organisers said the workshop was aimed at encouraging greater awareness among young learners and visitors about the need to preserve the region’s fragile artistic and cultural heritage amid rapid social and technological change.
The programme concluded with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn directly from practitioners and experts associated with traditional Himalayan art forms.
Organisers described the enthusiastic response to the workshop as reflective of the growing interest among youth and visitors in conserving and promoting the unique cultural traditions of the Himalayan belt.
