2-day Kargil-Ladakh Tourism Festival innaugurated
Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan inaugurated the 2-day Kargil-Ladakh Tourism Festival 2017 at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium Bemathang here on Tuesday.
The two-day event features multi-ethnic traditional music and dance performances by the folk artists of different ethnic groups of the region including Purgi, Balti, Shina, Dardi besides several matches of traditional horse polo and archery, stalls of local art and craft and ethnic food besides theatre performances based on the traditional values and way of life.
While inaugurating the event, Kacho appealed to the public to come and visit the festival and understand the richness of the local culture and heritage. The CEC said that development of tourism is among the priorities of the Council, and it is fully committed to develop this sector in the district on modern lines.
He said that focus is being laid to hold promotional events in different states of the country this winter, so as to promote Kargil as a major tourist destination.
Praising the scenic beauty and the multi-ethnic culture of Kargil, the CEC said that over the last few years a large number of tourists have been diverted towards this unexplored dreamland due to the efforts and initiatives taken up by the present government. He said that a number of incentive schemes are in place to encourage the private stakeholders while as due impetus is being given to raise necessary tourism infrastructure in the district.
Kacho exhorted upon the Tourism Department to further intensify its publicity and promotional activities so as to attract a maximum number of tourists from across the country to the area. He said that thrust needs to be given to better connectivity, tourism infrastructure and development of hospitality sector for boosting the tourism to benefit of local stakeholders.
Earlier, the CEC went round the ethnic food and local handicraft stalls and appreciated the concerned Departments, women SHGs and other agencies for having put up a spectacular show.
KV Correspondent
