Leh, Aug 05: Ladakh burst into life with vibrant colours, sacred rituals, and deep cultural pride during the 9th dPal rNgam Duston, held on Union Territory Declaration Day under the theme ‘Compassion’ on Tuesday.
This annual festival, held on August 5 to commemorate Ladakh’s designation as a Union Territory in 2019, celebrates the region’s unique cultural identity and its aspirations for a united, progressive future.
The event honoured Ladakh’s rich history, identity, and vision for a united, progressive future. Festivities kicked off with traditional offerings like the Khatak, butter lamp lighting, and the sacred Lharna musical tribute, setting a spiritual tone.
The ceremonial arrival of the Lhardak at Khatok Chhenmo featured tea offerings and auspicious dances like Chyapskyan, showcasing the region’s deep-rooted traditions. Under the 2025 theme of “Compassion,” the event wove together tradition, spirituality, and community pride.
The celebrations underscored Ladakh’s journey since becoming a Union Territory, highlighting its progress and the ongoing need to balance development with cultural preservation.
LAHDC Leh Chairman Tashi Gyalson congratulated the community, reflecting on the Council’s five-year achievements and the need for continued progress.
“Ladakh has advanced, especially in remote areas, but we must keep pushing for a self-reliant, sustainable future,” he said, urging unity and active preservation of Ladakh’s unique heritage.
Gyalson said, “Ladakh has seen significant progress, particularly in remote and rural areas. “However, much remains to be done. We must continue working toward a self-reliant and sustainable Ladakh.”
“Let us respect diverse views and think together about the Ladakh we wish to build—one that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and rooted in shared values,” he added.
He expressed that over the past years, Ladakh has seen substantial development across many areas, especially in rural and remote pockets. He acknowledged that while a great deal has been achieved, there is still a long way to go in fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a truly self-reliant and sustainable Ladakh.
“We have learned and achieved a lot during this time, and there’s still more to do. Development work is ongoing, and it is important that we stay focused, united, and clear about our goals for the future. As we talk about preserving our culture and identity, we must also take practical steps to promote and protect it in real terms for our coming generations,” the CEC said.
He also highlighted the need for more constructive engagement in the region’s development discourse. “We must respect diverse opinions and come together to think about the Ladakh we want to build, one that is inclusive, progressive, and guided by our shared values. Let’s all give our time and thought to Ladakh and move forward with hope and determination,” he added.
A colourful Khatok Chhenmo dance performance followed the address, followed by a graceful Shondol song and dance that added to the cultural vibrancy of the celebration.
Later, a grand cultural procession began from the heritage site and moved through the Leh Bazaar, culminating at the Leh Polo Ground. The procession featured traditional music, mask dances, and colourful folk displays from various parts of Ladakh.
At the Polo Ground, the Lhardak led the Solchot offering, followed by another auspicious dance. As a symbolic tribute to the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a Shondol performance was presented by 90 female artists. The celebrations also included a traditional horse-riding show by skilled horsemen from Phobrang. The morning session concluded with Da-sRad, marking the ceremonial closure of the event.
Following the speech, the day unfolded into a rich cultural display. The Khatok Chhenmo dance and Shondol song and dance captivated the audience, followed by a grand cultural procession that passed through Leh Bazaar, culminating at the Polo Ground.
The parade featured traditional music, colourful masks, and folk presentations from across the region, showcasing Ladakh’s diversity and unity.
At the Polo Ground, the Lhardak led the Solchot offering, followed by another spiritual dance. A highlight of the event was the Shondol performance by 90 female artists as a tribute to the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The crowd was also treated to a spectacular traditional horse-riding show by skilled riders from Phobrang.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillor for Art & Culture, Stanzin Chosphel; Executive Councillor for RDD, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Executive Councillor for Minority Affairs, Ghulam Mehdi; Councillor Lobzang Sherab; Administrative Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Sanjit Rodrigues; Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Founder-President of MIMC, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena; CCF Leh, Zulfiqar Ali; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ghulam Mohd; Additional Superintendent of Police, Rigzin Sangdup; AD Tourism, Padma Angmo; Dy.Secretary Culture Tsewang Paljor; BJP State President Tashi Gyalson Kachu; LBA President Chering Dorjay Lakrook; President of Christian Association Sonam Parvez; President of the Women’s Wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Kunzes Dolma Jawo; President of the Women’s Wing of Anjuman Imamia, Nasreen Maryam; President of the Women’s Wing of Anjuman-e-Moin-ul-Islam, Aisha Malo; President of the Women’s Wing of the Christian Association, Sumita Dhana; LBA Youth President Jigmet Rabstan; Padma Shri Morup Namgyal; former Chief Secretary of J&K, C. Phuntsog; former CECs, Gyal Wangyal and Rigzin Spalbar; former MLA, Tsewang Samphel; Director, LTO, Mipham Otsal; and filmmaker, Stanzin Dorjey Gya along with other officials.
The 9th dPal rNgam Duston was yet another reflection of the spirit of Ladakh, united in tradition, determined in vision, and committed to progress.
