Leh, April 24: Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the new Sound and Light Show at the historic Leh Palace, marking a major step towards promoting cultural and heritage tourism in Ladakh.
The project, implemented by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) under the Ministry of Tourism at a cost of Rs 8.57 crore, is aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, promoting night tourism and strengthening the local economy.
Leh Palace, one of Ladakh’s most iconic heritage sites, was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal and served as the royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty as well as the administrative and ceremonial centre of the region. Over the centuries, it has remained a symbol of Ladakh’s political, cultural and spiritual legacy.
The newly inaugurated Sound and Light Show brings Ladakh’s rich history, architecture and cultural heritage to life through modern audio-visual presentation, offering visitors an immersive experience inside the ASI-protected monument.
Speaking on the occasion, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Ladakh, particularly Leh, holds immense tourism potential and is entering a new phase of transformation under the leadership of L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena.
He said that while the country is witnessing rapid development, Ladakh is fortunate to have leadership committed to environmental conservation, tourism promotion and heritage preservation in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
Calling the inauguration a proud moment, Shekhawat said the project is not just tourism infrastructure but a meaningful effort to revive and present Ladakh’s civilisational legacy, especially the history of the Namgyal dynasty, to both domestic and international visitors.
He added that Ladakh is not merely a tourist destination but a land of centuries-old civilisation where spirituality, culture, art and natural beauty coexist. He also praised the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India for preserving and revitalising heritage sites.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the project marks an important step in promoting sustainable cultural and heritage tourism in Ladakh and will help visitors better understand the region’s rich history and traditions.
He said the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given high priority to Ladakh’s development since it became a Union Territory, ensuring equal focus on modern infrastructure and preservation of cultural heritage.
The L-G said the Sound and Light Show will become a major value-add to Ladakh’s tourism ecosystem by enriching visitor experience and creating a deeper connection with the region’s culture and history.
He further said the initiative will promote night tourism and generate new opportunities for local guides, performers, hospitality providers, transport operators and small businesses, contributing to employment generation and local economic growth.
Reiterating the administration’s vision, Saxena said Ladakh’s breathtaking natural beauty is complemented by its vibrant cultural heritage, and continuous efforts are being made to position the region among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country and the world.
