Leh, May 9: Leh Main Market came alive with music, folk traditions and vibrant cultural performances on the eighth evening of the cultural celebrations being organised alongside the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, drawing huge crowds of residents, devotees and tourists.
The cultural series is 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 (NZCC), Patiala, under the theme “Peace Beyond Borders” to mark the 2569th Vesak Purnima.
The evening opened with the traditional presentation of Lharna, creating a spiritual and festive atmosphere at the venue. Performers from the Northen Institute of Performing Arts (NIPA) Cultural Group, Leh, enthralled the audience with colourful cultural presentations reflecting Ladakh’s artistic heritage.
Artists from Himachal Pradesh showcased the traditional Paduwa folk dance, known for its energetic rhythm and association with local fairs and festive gatherings. Cultural performers from Karnataka mesmerised spectators with Puja Kunitha, a devotional folk dance dedicated to Goddess Shakti, where artists balanced decorated wooden structures on their heads while dancing gracefully to the beats of drums and cymbals.
Adding a strong local flavour to the evening, renowned Ladakhi artists Tundup Namgyal, Rigzin Gurmet Lacs and Jigmet Spaldon presented soulful folk songs that received loud applause from the gathering. Sadiq Ashoor from Kargil also impressed the audience with an Urdu ghazal performance.
The cultural night concluded on a high note with a lively musical performance by the Zangskar Kanika Band, as enthusiastic crowds clapped, sang and danced along to the energetic tunes. Youngsters and visitors gathered near the stage, turning Leh Main Market into a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural harmony.
With the Sacred Relic Exposition continuing to attract devotees from across the country and abroad, the parallel cultural evenings are emerging as a major attraction, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and reinforcing the message of peace, harmony and unity. The celebrations will continue every evening till May 13.
