The globalized world runs very fast endangering the delicate environment of Ladakh and the ancient respectful culture of its own population . Luckily some local associations, like the women’s alliance, where I had the great opportunity to volunteer for a couple of weeks are trying to preserve the ancient traditions combining innovation and past knowledge. Managed only by women, this association was founded by Helena Norberg-Hodge in 1991 with the twin goal of raising the status of rural women and strengthening local culture and agriculture. Now it counts over 5000 membership from more than 100 villages from all areas of Ladakh, so that today the organization plays a significant non-political role in the area.
A festival is held in August, by bringing together members from villages all around Ladakh with the aim to raise cultural self-respect and ensure the survival of the traditional skills. Exhibits include traditional Ladakhi staple foods like roasted barley and different flours, Tsertsalulu or Seabuck berry juice, apricot nuts and labo (Ladakhi fresh cheese). Stalls also demonstrate the preparation of a variety of local dishes such as churning butter, tapu & tenten, paba and tangtur, and mok mok, all of which visitors are encouraged to try. In addition to this, the festival had stalls with handicrafts for sale including pottery, weaving and traditional clothes and accessories such as tibi (hats). During the two-day festival a highlight is the Ama-le’s show of various dances with the accompaniment of traditional music.
You can always visit the administrative center in Chubi, a short walk up from Leh’s market