KARGIL, JULY 18, 2022: Department of Tourism and Culture on Sunday organized Purig-e-rGastoon (The celebration of Purgi Festival) at Chiktan Shagharan, Shakar-Chiktan Sub-division. The aim of organising this festival is to promote rural tourism.

Executive Councillor (EC), Health, LAHDC, Kargil Mohsin Ali was the chief guest on the occasion, while Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan was the guest of honour. Joint Director Information Department Imteeaz Kacho was the special guest.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mohammad Sharif Kakpori; Assistant Director, Tourism, Kargil, Aga Syed Toha; Deputy Secretary, Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), Nazir Hussain; Chairpersons of Block Development Council (BDC), Shakar Chiktan, Shargole & Lotsum and Sarpanches, Nambardars, Panches, cultural artists, performers and large gathering of people from various places participated in the festival.

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Speaking on the occasion, EC, Mohsin thanked the UT Administration for organizing such a festival for promotion of tourism in the sub-division.

Terming the festival as a beginning, he said in near future, many more festivals will be organized at a larger scale for the promotion of tourism.

EC, Mohsin further said that such programs will help to boost tourism in the district and enhance the local economy besides providing employment opportunities to local youth.

The EC requested the locals to extend full support to the UT and District Administration for developmental works as development is a collaborative effort.

While extending support to UT Administration, Mohsin said LAHDC Kargil is committed for the sustainable development of the district.

On the occasion, Secretary, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan thanked all the officers, local representatives, PRI members, artists and general public for making the event successful. He pointed out that any festival is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, human life and the UT Administration is focussing on leveraging Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage, brotherhood and simplicity to integrate the rural areas with tourism and generate opportunities of employment for the local populace.

The Secretary further stated that under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) programme India is celebrating her 75 glorious years of independence and this year under AKAM every citizen will celebrate India’s pride through hoisting of the National Flag at their homes from August 13 to 15.  This will be a unique occasion to exhibit patriotism and to get associated with fellow citizens in ensuring celebration of national pride and national glory. He appealed to all sections of the society to enthusiastically take part in this event.

Highlighting the developmental works post formation of Union Territory, the Secretary said that many tourism-related developmental works have been initiated by the Government of India and the UT Administration.

Speaking specifically about the restoration, conservation and preservation of Chiktan Khar, the Secretary said that the consultant will soon submit DPR and work will  start accordingly. Further, he pointed out that six heritage sites have been identified across Ladakh, which includes three sites in Kargil and three in Leh district for preservation & restoration work. He emphasised that the UT Administration is working for equitable development of the entire UT.

The Secretary also said that the historic Chiktan Shagaran (Polo ground), which symbolises the rich cultural legacy of Shakar-Chiktan will also be developed as a heritage site of prime importance.

He further stated that the UT Administration is also planning building Sub-divisional level museums in the UT after proper examination of availability of artifacts.

Stressing on modern education with proper facilities for students, researchers and others, the Secretary said that libraries are required at the Sub-divisional level with modern facilities, for which he requested the LAHDC, Kargil and District Administration to identify suitable land at the earliest.

He informed the gathering that the UT Administration is in the process of construction of two Cultural centres one for each district, which will be equipped with state of the art latest equipment and facilities. These centres will be developed as centres of excellence for art, culture and languages under the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.

Secretary, Khan also informed that unique Eco-Parks will also be developed at Chiktan and Stok in the first phase.

Regarding widening of Khangral – Sanjak road, he informed that meetings have been held with BRO. He requested the local administration to demarcate land for the construction of 2 lane road and complete the revenue assessment at the earliest.

The Secretary said that to promote tourism for improving rural economy, the Tourism Department has distributed 550 homestay kits (incentive) as per the Homestay Policy, 2020 so that the benefits of tourism reach every village of Ladakh. He also informed that this festival has been made a scheduled event of the Tourism department and assured that this year Mamani festival will be celebrated at Chiktan.

While highlighting the tourist potential of Ladakh, the Secretary said that soon Ladakh will become an epicentre of tourism attracting tourists from across India and  the world. He requested locals to ensure cleanliness as a basic requirement for eco-tourism and responsible tourism.

In his address, the Joint Director, Information Department, Imteeaz Kacho lauded the efforts of people of Chiktan in keeping the Purgi culture alive to this day.

He appreciated their humility, love for heritage and for being passionate about folklore. Kacho urged them to continue to revive the composite cultural traditions. He also appreciated the efforts of the LAAC&L as well as the Tourism Department for making Purig-e-rGastoon a grand success.

BDC, Shakar Chiktan, Sayeda Banoo thanked the UT Administration for organizing the event for tourism promotion in the area. She placed some demands before the Secretary – like creation of Shakar-Chiktan Tourism Development Authority, construction of Auditorium Hall, creation of ITI, free inner line permit via Domkhar Skurbuchan and Chiktan to Kargil, hosting of Ladakh Winter Carnival Festival 2023 at Chiktan and many more.

During the colorful festival, cultural programmes including group and solo performances were presented by artists from across Ladakh. Different departments installed stalls showcasing Ladakh’s local artifacts, food, agro based products, health facilities, self-employment opportunities through banks and Department related Government schemes etc.