The Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), organised the Ladakh Astro Festival 2026 – Zanskar Celebration at the Tourist Dak Bungalow, Padum, on May 23. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, tourists, local residents, officials, cultural artists and representatives of various organisations.

Deputy Commissioner Zanskar, Omkar Rajendra Gundage (IAS); SSP Zanskar, Rigzin Sangdup; Councillor Cha Constituency, Stanzin Lakpa; and Councillor Karsha, Stanzin Jigmet, besides officers from various departments, teaching staff from different educational institutions and Government Degree College (GDC) Zanskar, representatives of political and religious organisations, cultural artists, students, local residents and tourists attended the programme.

The festival featured a range of activities including exhibition stalls, astrophotography displays, cultural performances, astro talks and guided stargazing sessions. Cultural troupes also presented traditional performances showcasing the rich heritage and culture of Zanskar.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that with Zanskar emerging as a new district, developmental activities in the region would accelerate further in the coming years. Describing astrophysics as a highly knowledgeable field, he encouraged students to take advantage of such educational initiatives. He also thanked the UT Administration, Tourism Department and all associated departments for organising the programme and assured full support for similar events in the future.

In his address, SSP Zanskar stressed the importance of students interacting with experts and learning about astrophysics, stating that the field offers immense opportunities and future scope.

Tourist Officer Zanskar, Ghulam Rasool Lal, said the objective of organising the programme was to promote Zanskar as an important destination for astro-tourism owing to its pristine dark skies and unique geographical conditions.

A special stargazing session was also conducted with the support of experts from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and Starcapes, during which participants observed celestial objects under the clear night skies of Zanskar.