Visual Delight: Tourism Department Kargil organizes Apricot Blossom Festival at Darchik

Visual Delight: Tourism Department Kargil organizes Apricot Blossom Festival at Darchik

Kargil, April 09, 2023: Apricot Blossom (Chuli Mendok) festival 2023 today continued in Darchik village of Kargil. The festival is celebrated every year and this year it is being celebrated from April 08 to 18.

As part of series of events various national and international tourists visited the Aryan-belt to enjoy the beauty of Apricot Blossom.

Director Tourism, Ladakh, Kunzes Angmo was the chief guest on the occasion. Assistant Director Tourism Kargil, Agha Syed Toha, Assistant Tourist Officer Kargil, Ghulam Rasool Lal, other officials, Lamberdar, national and international tourists, artists from Aryan Belt and Bodhkharboo, locals of Darchik village participated in the event.

The Director Tourism in her speech welcomed all tourists, local artists and public on the occasion of Apricot Blossom Festival.

She said Apricot, known as chulli/halmann in Ladakhi was introduced to the arid region of Ladakh. She said in 21 century, the fruit has become an integral part of Ladakh’s culture, heritage and economy.

Angmo said the Apricot flower bloom signifies the onset of summer after long and harsh winter of Ladakh. She said during this period settlements in the western belt of Ladakh are covered with white sheet of flowers.

The director appreciated the cultural programs organized by the local artists. She said the UT Administration aims to attract the tourist inflow in rural areas. She said in order to push tourism in villages of Ladakh, these type of festivals should be organized at large scale.

Earlier, Assistant Director Tourism Kargil presented welcome speech and explained the importance of the festival. He said the festival attracts various tourists to UT Ladakh and helps in boosting the economy of Ladakh.

Talking about the festival, the AD said it is celebrated every year and this year it is being celebrated from April 08 to 18 and series of events would be held at different locations of Kargil.

He said it is special occasion for tourists to explore Ladakh, its landscapes, rich culture and beauty.

Meanwhile, local artists from Darchik and Bodhkharboo presented a series of their culture songs and dance performances that enthralled the audience and were the major attraction.

A volunteer of Darchik village also talked about the importance of the festival for the people of Aryan-belt. He thanked the Tourism Department for organizing the special festival.

Later, Assistant Tourist Officer Kargil, Ghulam Rasool Lal thanked Director Tourism, Ladakh, Assistant Director Tourism Kargil, local artists, villagers, media fraternity, national and international tourists for participating in the festival.