Tag : Cultures

Dehradun: As part of the series of events in promoting and preserving the Balti community in India, a two-day program titled "Confluence of Balti Community in India" was held in Uttarakhand. The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, Leh in collaboration with the Balti Welfare Association of Uttarakhand organized a "Confluence of Balti Community in India" in Vikasnagar town of Dehradun on February 15 and 16. The programme involved notable Balti community members, scholars and renowned folk singers who discussed the 'Balti culture and history of migration of Balti community in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and their connection with Ladakh and Baltistan'. Performers of Balti music came across the Ladakh region as well as from Uttarakhand. Around 200 people, mainly from the Balti community gathered at the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in Vikasnagar, where this programme took place. This confluence was jointly designed by Dr Sonam Wangchok and Master Sadiq Hardassi from Ladakh, while Sujat Ali Shah represented the Balti Welfare Association in Uttarakhand to support the event. Baltis from various nations and regions share a common identity and legacy expressed via their language, music, attire, and cuisine as well as through sports like polo and archery and, most notably, Balti folklore like the King Gesar (Ling Gesar). Although the Baltis originated in Gilgit-Baltistan, presently in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, they are also found in the neighbouring regions as a result of the long history of trading and extensive migrations. In Ladakh, the Baltis are primarily concentrated in the Kargil district with a lesser number in the Leh district. Besides, Baltis who chose to stay in India after the partition are also dispersed in various parts o ...