Leh, May 12 : The ninth evening of cultural celebrations organised in connection with the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha drew large crowds to Leh Main Market on Sunday, with folk performances, devotional music and traditional dances turning the venue into a vibrant cultural gathering under the theme “Peace Beyond Borders”.
The celebrations are being organised by the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the North Zone Cultural Centre as part of the commemorative events marking the 2569th Vesak Purnima.
Residents, tourists, devotees and visitors from different parts of the country attended the programme, which showcased diverse cultural traditions from Ladakh and other states.
Tashi Dolma attended the event as chief guest and was felicitated by Sagar Doifode during the programme.
The evening commenced with the traditional presentation of Lharna, followed by a series of folk performances. Artists from Karnataka presented the energetic Veeragase dance, while the Nubra Cultural Troupe performed Mentok Stanmo and Chab Skyen, both rooted in Ladakhi cultural traditions. Audiences also witnessed the Deepak Dance from Himachal Pradesh and a lively Jabro performance by the SAVE Cultural Troupe.
A major highlight of the evening was the performance by Morup Namgyal and his group, who presented traditional folk compositions narrating stories of Wanla Lonpo and King Kesar of Ling. The group also performed a devotional composition dedicated to the sacred arrival and public exposition of the Holy Relics in Ladakh.
Morup Namgyal was felicitated during the programme and expressed gratitude to the people of Ladakh in an emotional address.
The celebrations concluded with musical performances by Tundup Dorjey Stakmo, KK Tundup and Rigzin Dorjey, as enthusiastic audiences sang and danced late into the evening. Officials said the cultural programmes would continue till May 13.
