Two days Kargil Losar Festival inaugurated

Dignitaries during Kargil Losar Festival.
Dignitaries during Kargil Losar Festival.

Excelsior Correspondent

KARGIL, Jan 5: Acting Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil Mubarak Shah Nagvi inaugurated two days Kargil Ladakh Losar–Traditional New Year Cultural and Literary Festival organized by Ladakh Academy of Culture and Languages (LAACL) at Language Center New Academy Complex, here today.
Executive Councillor for Tourism Er Phunsog Tashi was the guest of honor on the occasion while those who sat in the presidium along with the dignitaries included noted Balti poet Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, State awardee Shina Dardi poet and writer Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan and prominent Purgi poet Aga Syed Raza Shah Razvi.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Mubarak Shah Nagvi said that 2020 was a tough year for the whole humanity due to challenges thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped that the New Year brings happiness and joy to all.
He expressed happiness over the participation of young writers, historians, poets and artists of district Kargil in promoting culture and heritage of the place and stated that it is encouraging to see them draw inspiration from the intellectuals, which is a positive development and also need of the time.
Executive Councilor for Tourism Er Phunsog Tashi expressed hope that this year will prove a herald of good health and joy.
Earlier, Deputy Secretary/Special Officer for Cultural Activities G-1, LAACL Kargil Nazir Hussain presented the welcome address.
In the poetry reading session, the poets include Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan, Bashir Ahmad Wafa, Muhammad Ali Baba, Fazil Abbas Turtuki, Hadi Ali Balti, Muhammad Yasin Ansari, Skarma Junglay, Akbar Ali Khan Shaheen, Raza Amjad Badgami, Ghulam Nabi Skith, Abdul Rehman Misbahi, Ghulam Murtaza Advocate, and Aga Syed Kazim.
The paper reading and short story recital sessions comprised of two research-oriented paper presentations by Ajaz Hussain Munshi and Muhammad Sadiq Hardassi on the topics Collection of Indian and Central Asian Coins and Currencies at Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum Kargil and Balti Traditional New Year-Losar respectively while Muhammad Taqi Khan presented a short story titled Lschama in Purgi language.
Meanwhile, folk singers and musicians including Yasmin Fatima, Fatima Nissa, Tundup Fokar, Muhammad Sadiq Ashour, Ghulam Muhammad, Tsering Namgyal, Muhammad Abbass Skith and Sonam Wangdus presented Balti and Purgi folk songs.
Later, Special Officer for Cultural Activities Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak presented vote of thanks.
Noted Purgi writer, poet and broadcaster Muhammad Issa Sabiri conducted the proceedings of different sessions held today.
Writers, poets, district officers, prominent citizens besides good number of cultural and literary enthusiasts were present on the occasion.
It is pertinent to mention that the festival will continue tomorrow also.