Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar chaired a high-level meeting  on September 9 to review preparations for the upcoming 10th edition of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival, scheduled to be held on September 20–21. Senior officials and representatives from various departments participated in the meeting.

Reviewing the arrangements, DC Kargil said the festival is not only a cultural event but also an opportunity to showcase Ladakh’s rich heritage, diverse ethnic tribes, and traditional practices. He urged all departments to ensure the festival is organized on a grander scale than the previous year.

Deputy Secretary of the Cultural Academy, Nazir Hussain, informed that tribal groups from different regions have been invited to participate and present their cultural performances. Emphasizing community participation, Rakesh Kumar assured financial and logistical support for village communities to ensure their active involvement.

Key arrangements discussed included seating, security, waterproof tents, tarpaulin collection, medical facilities, boarding and lodging, promotional activities, and power backup. The DC instructed departments to set up the maximum possible stalls to showcase their services and initiatives. With nearly 10,000 visitors expected, he termed the festival a golden opportunity to promote both Ladakhi culture and government schemes.

The DC also directed departments to provide adequate manpower and called for arrangements for private media coverage, influencer engagement, adventure sports such as rafting, archery exhibitions, and performances by artists from other states. He further stressed promoting homestays and guesthouses to ensure local income generation and sought the cooperation of contractors and merchant associations.

Highlighting tourism promotion, Rakesh Kumar also spoke about the proposed Padum–Manali Road Rally to attract more visitors and boost infrastructure.

Concluding the meeting, he announced that the next review would be held on-site at Zanskar to finalize the arrangements. Expressing confidence in collective efforts, he said the 10th Ladakh Zanskar Festival will be a grand success, reflecting the fusion of Ladakh’s traditions with India’s cultural diversity.