Ladakh International Music Festival blends local and international tunes

The Ladakh International Music Festival is all set to bring together national and international rock bands to celebrate the spirit of music. The highlight of the event is local bands from Ladakh showcasing their art.

Six of the local bands taking the stage are Dashugs band, Rolyangs band and Faisal Ashoor, Anonymous, Acoustive and Maryul Semyang. They will be sharing the platform with international bands like Indian Ocean, Parashara, Tetseo Sisters, Joi Barua and Band, and DJ Anna and Ali Burni.

The Ladakh International Music Festival is organised by the Indian Army, Picturetime (an inflatable theater company), and Sky2Ocean, an event planner company run by Indian Army veterans.

One of the popular Ladakhi bands fans are looking forward to is Faisal Ashoor, named after its leader. Mr Ashoor said the band members feel honured to be part of such a big event for the first time in Ladakh. "We have been performing locally and outside for years but sharing this stage with such big bands is itself a big thing for us".

He added that other bands trying to focus and promote Ladakhi cultural richness in music and art is a cherry on top. "Such a confluence of the diversity of music will definitely bring our people closer together".

Ladakh International Music Festival takes place from April 30 to May 2. The event will also host a fashion show helmed by Jigmat Couture, the biggest ethical fashion house in the region. Several dance performances by Art of Motion Ladakh are also on the itinerary.

Rezang La, one of the world's highest war memorials where Indian composer Joi Barua and his band will pay a tribute to the martyrs of Galwan, is the last stop.

Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC (Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh), called the festival an incredible opportunity for local artists. "Performing on the same stage as renowned bands like the Indian Ocean will boost their morale. We hope a landmark festival such as this continues for a very long time and grows bigger in the times to come."

Speaking about the Ladakhi culture, Tashi said that the region has a distinct culture of folk songs and music. Its history dates back over a thousand years. He added that the artists of the region never want that heritage to be lost and want to protect it.

"We have to protect our art and simultaneously grow with evolving times. Keeping our rich culture intact is the way forward and we are actively working on protecting it," he added.