Mangyu: A new cultural chapter unfolded in Ladakh as the first-ever Sham Festival kicked off with colour, tradition, and healing energy in the historic village of Mangyu. Inaugurated by CEC Tashi Gyalson, the grand opening of Sham Festival 2025 marked a proud moment for the region — celebrating heritage, holistic wellness, and community pride.
The CEC was joined by Dy Chairman LAHDC Leh Tsering Angchuk, Khaltsi Councillor Lobzang Sherab, Lamayuru Councillor Dr. Morup Dorjey, Phyang Councillor Tundup Nurbu, Assistant Director Tourism Padma Angmo, Biker’s Union President Tashi Yontan, and several other dignitaries and community leaders.
The festivities began with a ceremonial bike rally, flagged off from the Tourism Office Leh by Sanjit Rodrigues (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, along with Kunzes Angmo, Director Tourism, and Padma Angmo, Assistant Director Tourism. The rally, featuring enthusiastic participation from both locals and tourists, was warmly received in Mangyu — setting a festive tone for the day.
Upon arrival in Mangyu, guests were greeted at Chutsan with traditional refreshments before embarking on a guided cultural walk. Highlights included the ancient Rantak (flour mill), interactive food stalls, live cooking demos by local women’s SHGs, and spiritual visits to the Vairochana Temple and Guru Padmasambhava Temple. Exhibitions on rare medicinal herbs and local wildlife, curated by Amchi experts and Sowa Rigpa scholars, added a healing dimension to the cultural immersion.
At the main venue, CEC Tashi Gyalson inaugurated the festival by lighting the ceremonial Lharna lamp, followed by speeches and traditional archery rounds. A captivating lineup of cultural performances — Shondol, Jabro, Chabskyan, and Tsaga Tses — brought the spirit of Ladakh alive, performed by local youth, Ama Tsogspa members, and Lamzang Kunthus Tsogspa artists.
In his address, Tashi Gyalson praised the unity and enthusiasm of the villagers, especially the Goba, youth groups, and women’s collectives, for organizing such a meaningful event. He announced plans to establish a wellness centre in Mangyu and committed to building a cultural museum to preserve its sacred heritage. The CEC also endorsed the idea of hosting regional festivals across Sham to boost tourism and income generation.
Special appreciation was extended to Khaltsi Councillor Lobzang Sherab, whose tireless groundwork, including the DPR submission for the museum, has laid the foundation for long-term development in the region. His address reflected the hopes of the community to transform Mangyu into a wellness tourism destination, capitalizing on its wealth of healing plants and cultural depth.
Padma Angmo highlighted the potential of cultural tourism in Sham and encouraged tourists to explore the heart of Ladakh through its festivals. Amchi Tashi Stobgais passionately advocated for the preservation of Sowa Rigpa, Ladakh’s ancient healing tradition, urging research and youth engagement in the medicinal heritage of Mangyu.
The day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Stanzin Dorjay, member of Lamzang Kunthus Tsogspa, who praised the collective effort that brought Sham Festival 2025 to life.
From spiritual depth to cultural revival, Sham Festival in Mangyu is not just an event — it’s a movement to reclaim Ladakh’s identity through its roots, remedies, and resilience.
