Leh, September 27, 2026: As part of the Ladakh Festival 2026, a screening of the short documentary film “Nomads Under the Stars” was held today at Leh Polo Ground and Rang Thag.
The documentary film was produced by Jungwa Foundation, an Indian non-profit organisation founded on 2018, dedicated to heritage conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. The film was directed by Stanzin Dorjai Gya.
Addressing the gathering, Gyan Lay from karzok monastery highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving the independent way of life of the nomadic communities of Ladakh for future generations. He stated that the film aims to preserve and showcase the traditional way of life of the Changthang region, enabling future generations to learn about, appreciate and contribute towards preserving its unique culture, traditions and livelihoods. He further highlighted that the film focuses on the traditional lifestyle, culture and livelihoods of the nomadic communities.
He also spoke about the importance of preserving Tsomoriri Lake and urged people to protect the lake from pollution and garbage. He elaborated on the significance and blessings associated with the lake and emphasised that the responsibility of preserving its fragile environment lies not only with local communities but also with tourists and visitors.
Gyan Lay further highlighted the traditional migration practices of nomadic communities across the Changthang region and spoke about their traditional clothing and other practices associated with animal-based livelihoods. He emphasised the need to support these communities and contribute towards the sustainable development of their traditional livelihoods.
Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, appreciated the filmmaker, the Jungwa Foundation and all those associated with the production of the film for documenting the traditional way of life and cultural heritage of the nomadic communities of Ladakh. He highlighted the importance of such films in bringing the rich cultural traditions and lived experiences of Ladakh’s communities before a wider audience. He also appreciated the efforts made towards documenting and preserving the region’s traditional knowledge, practices and heritage.
Shri Sanjit Rodrigues further emphasised the importance of responsible tourism and collective efforts towards protecting Ladakh’s fragile environment and cultural heritage. He said that initiatives showcasing the traditional lifestyles of Ladakh can help create greater awareness among visitors and encourage respect for the region’s communities, traditions and natural surroundings.
The Secretary also distributed mementos to the dignitaries in appreciation of their contribution.
The evocative film offers an intimate portrayal of the nomadic communities of Ladakh, capturing their way of life, deep connection with the land and livelihoods, and cultural resilience against the backdrop of the high-altitude landscape.
The event brought together local residents, tourists and culture enthusiasts to celebrate the rich heritage, traditional lifestyle and storytelling of Ladakh through the medium of cinema.
