Festival in the Hills – Chuli Mendoq/Apricot Blossom Festival -Leh Ladakh

Every spring, nature bestows a touch of elegant lustre on some lands. If Japan has cherry blossom to cover it in petite charm, Ladakh gets its place of pride from the dewy freshness of the Apricot blooms. The festivals meant to cherish these incredible expressions of nature celebrate the spirit of life. 

Chuli Mendoq or Apricot Blossom Festival is one such festivity that was celebrated with traditional zest and zeal in Turtuk and Tyakshi villages of Nubra valley, Leh Ladakh on 12^th and 13^th of April this year. The celebration was the part of 12 day festival organised by Department of Tourism, Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh. It was scheduled to be celebrated at Dharchik, Garkhone, Sanjak, Hardass, Karkichoo in Kargil, Dha, Biama, Turtuk, and Tyakshi in Leh. It is pertinent to mention here that, this festival was officially started this year to boost up the tourism industry of Ladakh in general and the Apricot growing regions of Ladakh in particular.  

Chuli or Apricot was introduced to Ladakh over a century ago by Central Asian traders passing via the famous Silk Route. Hence, this route is also known as the Apricot route. Among the 40 varieties of Apricot, Halman is the most famous one. It is commonly grown in the lower belt of Ladakh. With time, this fruit has become an inalienable part of Ladakh’s culture, heritage and economy as it is one of the major source of livelihood in the region. The nutritional value of Apricot is very high. It has varied range of nutrients, and is also high in antioxidants. Almost every part of the fruit is used by the locals. Apricot kernel, Apricot oil, Apricot jam, Apricot chocolate, dried Apricot (Fading), Apricot lip balm are to name a few in the diverse range of products.

Apricot Blossom

Apricot blossom signals the begining of spring after the extreme winter of Ladakh. When the flower blooms the Apricot growing regions of Ladakh get covered with white sheets of flowers. Fields start to sprout up as if a green carpet has been laid out to host the pinkish white canopy of Apricot blossoms. The breathtaking scenery becomes a treat for onlookers.

Apricot Blossom Festival then…

A festival called Hlmendoq Ltanmo (Festival of Flowers) was celebrated in the regions of Khaplu, Baltistan. Before being liberated from Pakistan in 1971, Turtuk and its adjoining villages were a part of Baltistan and an epicentre of culture, heritage and economy. In those times, the people of the Turtuk region celebrated the festival with a different name called Pangang and on a different date than the rest of the Balti region. Baltis are inhabited in Thang, Tyakshi, Turtuk and Chulungkha of Leh. These villages were annexed by Indian Army in 1971 from Pakistan. The trend continued after the liberation as well but the way of celebration maintained its consistency with that of Hlmendoq ltanmo. 

Scholars tell that the festival which marks the onset of the Spring, was celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm. After prior consultation with elders, local youth fixed a date of celebration. On the decided day, youth climbed the mountains and collected a range of flowers, which were then used to decorate the traditional caps. They returned to villages, dancing on a traditional tune where they were welcomed by the other villagers. Thereafter the caravan of celebration proceeded towards the playground locally known as Shagaran. Young people also offered the bouquet of flowers to their dearest ones. But with time the tradition gradually faded away and eventually disappeared almost two decades ago. 

Apricot Blossom Festival now…

Two years ago, youth of Turtuk came up with an idea to revive this festival and named it as Chuli Mendoq festival. Abdul Aziz, Ex-Secretary, Youth Society Turtuk who first proposed the Chuli Mendoq Hltanmo tells The Voices “Turtuk remains the hub of Apricot. The Aesthetic appeal that the blossom adds up can be compared to cherry blossom in Japan. In order to cherish the important role of Apricot trees in our life, to create awareness about Apricot based products we attempted to revive this festival.” 

Efforts of local panchayat of Turtuk, caught the eyes of the local representatives. Executive Councillor, Minority Affairs Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), LEH  succeeded to persuade the UT administration, Ladakh to officially celebrate this festival in Apricot growing regions of Ladakh as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is a series of events to be organised by Government of India to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. 

Baltis got excited when the UT administration announced the 12 days (6^th-18^thApril) long celebration of this festival. Simultaneously, the festival is celebrated in the famous Aryan valley of Ladakh as well.  

In Turtuk the festival was celebrated on the 12th of April 2021. It started with the display of Balti antique, attires and dishes on the selected streets of the village. Some items were of the 14th or 15th century. Many artisans of the village displayed their art. Blacksmiths showcased beautiful traditional Baltian tools and utensils made up of Brass, Iron, Aluminium. The festival has ensured unprecedented exposure for them. Ali Karpo a local artist tells “Our products are handmade and are an integral part of our culture. Festivals such as this would take our artistry on global platforms.” 

Traditional culinary skill of churning curd to derive butter grabbed many eyes. Live display of the craft of Shawlmaking was another attraction in the festival. Tribal Arists from community with expertise in the wood and stone sculpture of animals and birds were invited to showcase their craft too. Ghulam Mohd, a local sculptor tells “sculptures of regional animals/birds such as Himalayan Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Snow Leopard, Magpie are particularly popular among visitors”