LEH, SEPT 28: The third day of the Ladakh Festival 2026 showcased the region’s rich artistic traditions, indigenous products and culinary heritage, with a vibrant exhibition organised at Municipal Committee Park in Leh Main Market.
The exhibition brought together local artisans, self-help groups, NGOs and organisations from different parts of Ladakh, offering visitors an opportunity to explore traditional handicrafts, handloom products, local cuisines and other indigenous goods while witnessing skilled artisans at work.
A wide variety of traditional crafts were displayed through live demonstrations, including basket weaving, wood and stone carving, pottery, carpet weaving, shawl weaving and spinning, Thangka painting, copper craft, felting, traditional Ladakhi shoemaking and Perak craftsmanship.
The exhibition also highlighted locally produced items such as apricot juice, jam and oil, along with block-printed textiles from Shachukul, traditional Ladakhi dishes and other locally made products.
Artisans and organisations from across the region participated in the exhibition, including LEDeG and the White Copper Foundation from Zanskar, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions and craftsmanship found across Ladakh.
Traditional Chang Khang displays also formed part of the exhibition, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s distinctive cultural practices.
The stalls attracted a steady flow of local residents as well as tourists, who showed keen interest in the traditional art forms, indigenous products and culinary heritage on display.
The live demonstrations provided visitors with an opportunity to observe techniques and skills preserved and passed down through generations.
For participating artisans and self-help groups, the exhibition served not only as a cultural showcase but also as a platform to promote their products, interact with visitors and expand awareness of their traditional crafts and livelihoods.
The event underscored the importance of preserving Ladakh’s traditional knowledge and craftsmanship while promoting local products and creating wider platforms for artisans.
By bringing together craftspeople and visitors in the heart of Leh, the exhibition presented Ladakh’s cultural heritage as a living tradition that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its indigenous identity.
