Apricot Blossom Festival kicks off in Skyurbuchan village
The much-awaited Apricot Blossom Festival-2025 kicked off with vibrant energy in Skyurbuchan village of Leh district, aiming to promote tourism in the remote yet picturesque regions of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with LAHDC Leh and local villagers, this is the first apricot blossom celebration of the season. The event was graced by Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Ghulam Mehdi, as the chief guest.
The event commenced with traditional Ladakhi music, creating a mesmerising ambiance, and featured local cuisine stalls showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.
In her keynote address, the Assistant Director of the Tourism Department, Padma Angmo, praised the breathtaking beauty of Sham Valley. She likened the white and pink apricot blossoms to a “heavenly canvas painting.” Padma Angmo highlighted that the festival, first launched in 2021, has steadily grown in popularity and has become a key event in promoting rural tourism. She also emphasised the importance of apricot cultivation in Ladakh, known for its unique and high-quality varieties.
The event featured vibrant folk dance performances by local artists dressed in traditional attire. A felicitation ceremony was also done during the occasion by Indian Army to honour local contributors from Skyubuchan for their support during the 1999 Kargil War.
Chief Planning Officer, Tsewang Gyalson expressed administration’s commitment to promote tourism beyond Leh city by improving village facilities and expanding homestays and ensuring availability of essential resources for visitors.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Mohammad emphasised the festival’s year-round tourism potential. He applauded the local food stalls for delivering an authentic taste of Ladakh and encouraged both media and tourists to promote the region’s beauty and culture, which in turn would help uplift the local economy.
Councillor Ghulam Mehdi, in his address, underscored the importance of preserving Ladakh’s cultural and agricultural heritage. He encouraged farmers to adopt organic practices in apricot cultivation, envisioning a future where Ladakhi produce reaches international markets. He also praised the efforts of young performers and acknowledged the role of teachers in nurturing local talent.
The festival concluded on a positive note, aiming to make Skyurbuchan and other villages of Ladakh a must-visit destination on India’s tourism map. The event highlighted the potential for organic farming and exporting Ladakhi products, boosting the local economy and showcasing the region’s unique heritage.
J & K