The 8th edition of the Siachen Folk Festival successfully concluded in the scenic Nubra Valley of Ladakh. The two-day cultural celebration was organised by Chamskong Chostsogs Tsogspa, Chamshen, in collaboration with Heritage Himalaya, to showcase and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival was inaugurated on 20 September 2025 by Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Director of Heritage Himalaya, and concluded on 21 September 2025. The closing ceremony was graced by Sh. Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor for Culture, LAHDC Leh, as Chief Guest, while Councillor Rigzin Lhundup (Kyagar Constituency), former MLA Sh. Deldan Namgyal and Col. Mukesh Pandey, VSM, OC HQ Basecamp attended as Guests of Honour.
Major highlights included a painting competition among government schools, vibrant cultural performances, traditional and modern archery contests, heritage talks, and traditional food stalls set up in Tsele (willow-wattle sheds). The archery events, held separately for traditional and modern bows and arrows, aimed at reviving Ladakh’s centuries-old sport and inspiring the younger generation.
Colourful folk dances and songs were presented by Chamshen villagers school children and talented youth from across the Nubra Valley. In his address, Chief Guest Sh. Stanzin Chosphel congratulated Chamskong Chostsogs Tsogspa for successfully organising the festival for eight consecutive years under the guidance of Dr. Sonam Wangchok. He also announced the establishment of a heritage museum in Chamshen village to showcase the cultural wealth of Chamshen and the Nubra Valley, envisaging it as a significant tourist attraction.
Guests of Honour Rigzin Lhundup and Deldan Namgyal praised the organisers for their efforts in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural legacy. Sh. Deldan Namgyal emphasised the importance of education and strengthening government schools in villages to help children remain rooted in their culture and traditions, while Sh. Rigzin Lhundup highlighted key developmental initiatives undertaken in Chamshen and the Kyagar constituency during his tenure.
Village member Sh. Tsering Phuntsog and special guest Col. Mukesh Pandey, VSM, OC HQ Basecamp, also addressed the gathering. Col. Pandey, while appreciating the organisers, assured full support from the Army to help make the festival even grander in the years to come.
Speaking on the aims of the festival, Dr. Sonam Wangchok lauded the unity and cooperative spirit of Chamshen villagers in organising the Siachen Folk Festival without generational gaps. “As long as the villagers organise the festival with a purpose that truly reflects a ‘folk festival’, I will continue to extend my support in every possible way,” he said. Dr. Wangchok emphasised that the festival fosters appreciation of cultural heritage among Ladakhis, particularly the youth and children, and appreciated the participation of children from several government schools in the painting competition held on the theme ‘My Family Legacy.’
In the competition results, the Yarma Team secured first position in traditional archery, while the Taksha Team won the modern archery contest. In the painting competition, Padma Deldan from K.G.B.V. School, Sumoor Nubra, won first prize; Padma Dolker from the same school secured second place; and Tashi Yontan from Chamshen Government Middle School and Jigmed Nurboo from Taksha Government Middle School shared the third position.
Looking ahead, Chamskong Chostsogs Tsogspa, in collaboration with Heritage Himalaya, announced that next year onwards, the Siachen Folk Festival will be held on the first weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of June every year to further promote and preserve the region’s cultural heritage, engage youth, and attract tourists to the Nubra Valley.