Archives of Current Research International

Volume 24, Issue 8, Page 156-168, 2024; Article no.ACRI.122609

ISSN: 2454-7077

The Ethnic Flower Festival of Ladakh,

India: A Comprehensive Coverage of
Sngo lha or Mendok rgyaspa
Anwar Hussain a*, Rinchan Dolkar b, Shabber Hussain c
and Nazir Hussain b
a High Mountain Arid Agriculture Research Institute, SKUAST-K, Leh, Ladakh 194101, India.
b Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kargil-I, SKUAST-K, Kargil 194103, India.
c Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Zanskar (Kargil-II), SKUAST-K, Kargil 194302, India.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/acri/2024/v24i8859

Open Peer Review History:

This journal follows the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. Identity of the Reviewers, Editor(s) and additional Reviewers,
peer review comments, different versions of the manuscript, comments of the editors, etc are available here:
https://www.sdiarticle5.com/review-history/122609

Received: 02/07/2024
Original Research Article Accepted: 03/09/2024
Published: 05/09/2024

ABSTRACT

The current study provides a comprehensive coverage of the Sngo lha or Mendok rgyaspa, the
ethnic flower festival of Ladakh, India, a remote, high-altitude region known for its unique cultural
traditions. In the face of modernization and religious restrictions, this time-tested festival has been
abandoned or practiced on a limited scale, necessitating urgent efforts to revive it. Using a
qualitative, ethnographic approach, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 19
festival organizers and 42 prominent villagers, complemented by a review of 76 previously
documented resources. The findings reveal how this annual celebration marks a transformative
moment when Ladakh's barren landscapes blossom into a vibrant tapestry of colors, offering a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: Email: [email protected];

Cite as: Hussain, Anwar, Rinchan Dolkar, Shabber Hussain, and Nazir Hussain. 2024. “The Ethnic Flower Festival of Ladakh,
India: A Comprehensive Coverage of Sngo Lha or Mendok Rgyaspa”. Archives of Current Research International 24 (8):156-
68. https://doi.org/10.9734/acri/2024/v24i8859.
 Hussain et al.; Arch. Curr. Res. Int., vol. 24, no. 8, pp. 156-168, 2024; Article no.ACRI.122609

unique glimpse into the region's rich traditions and the resilience of its residents. The study
underscores the festival's multifaceted benefits, including its contributions to the sustainability of
Ladakh's culture, environment, economy, and holistic development. Additionally, the research
highlights how reviving this overlooked tradition could provide a significant boost to the region's
tourism industry. As one of the few empirical studies documenting this festival, the current work
lays the foundation for future research that can further explore the cultural, environmental, and
socioeconomic dimensions of this endangered community practice.

Keywords: Flower festival; Sngo lha; mendok rgyaspa; mendok stanmo’ paba; ladakh.

1. INTRODUCTION to 36°N and 75° to 80°E with an elevation

ranging from 2900 to 5800 m amsl and that of
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kargil district are 30° to 35°N and 75° to 77°E
the Ladakh region, a flower festival stands as a with an elevation ranging from 2400 to 7010 m
remarkable celebration of nature's beauty and amsl. Ladakh region covers an area of 59,146
cultural heritage. Known by sngo lha, mendok km2 [1]. Ladakh is bordered by Tibet (China) to
rgyaspa, or mendok stanmo in the local dialect, the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to
all nomenclatures address to the common the south, both Indian-administered Jammu and
traditional flower festival. The Buddhists use the Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-
word sngo lha or mendok stanmo while Muslims Baltistan to the west, and the southwest corner of
use mendok rgyaspa. Sngo lha or mendok Xinjiang (China) across the Karakoram Pass in
rgyaspa is celebrated in June whereas the the far north. As per the 2011 census, Ladakh
mendok stanmo is celebrated in the month of region constitutes 242 villages with a population
July-August every year. Held annually, this of 274,289. Ladakh region is characterized by
vibrant festival offers a unique glimpse into the extreme climatic conditions such as intensive
rich traditions and customs of the local people. sunlight, fluctuating temperature, high
With its kaleidoscope of colors, fragrant blooms, evaporation rate and strong winds [2]. The region
and engaging activities, this festival has become remains landlocked from the outside world due to
a significant event that not only celebrates the heavy snowfall over high mountains during the
region's floral diversity but also highlights the winter for about five months a year.
resilience and unity of its residents. Traditional
dishes are served among the attendees and the 2. METHODOLOGY
participants dress themselves in traditional attire
during the festival. Among the Buddhist The current investigation involves the collection
community, special songs and dances, use of of data from primary and secondary sources. The
alcohol, prayer to local deities, etc., and among collection of primary data has been done by
the Muslim community, offering flowers on interviewing the organizers (19) and villagers
graves, distribution of traditional dishes, (42) of the study area and observation method.
recitation of special prayers and holy Quran, etc. Since the target areas were scattered along with
are common. Youth of the villages used to go to thinly populated factor, it was difficult to reach out
the mountains to bring flowers and upon their a each and every one for the collection of a large
return, all the villagers gathered to receive them. sample size. The secondary data has been
The current study intends to contribute to the collected from various journals, books,
repository of literature about the role of this magazines, online articles, and social media
ethnic festival as a potential candidate for the platforms (72). Frequent visits to the libraries,
conservation and revival of traditional knowledge monasteries, folk singers, historians, etc. was
systems. ensured for the authenticity and support of the
feedbacks obtained through the drafted
1.1 Study Area questionnaires. The study highlights an overview
of the lone flower festival of Ladakh, its ways of
The study area is confined to Bagh-e-Khomeini, celebration, folk songs and prayers associated,
Kukshow, Darchiks, and Mulbekh villages of and its importance in maintaining nature’s
Kargil district and Phyang village and Nubra beauty, reviving traditional cuisines, cultural
valley of Leh district of Ladakh region. The sustainability, regional unity, tourism
geographical coordinates of Leh district are 32° development, and community engagement.

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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION traditional animal sacrifice which was described

as anti-Buddhist practice by religious heads. The
3.1 Sngo lha villagers eat curds, butter, kholaq, and meat.
After this, all the animals are led to the
The word ‘sngo lha’ is rooted in the green colour, mountains for grazing. The humans avail the
sngonpo [3] which corresponds to the greenery dairy products in return for the animals getting
of the grass and fields and lha means God. This pasture [13]. The remaining days are celebrated
event marks the arrival of spring when the barren with songs, music, and dance. The events are
landscapes of Ladakh transform into a vibrant held under the supervision of lha rdags, the
tapestry of colors as wild flowers bloom across guardian of the village deity.
the valleys and meadows. It is celebrated in
areas of Ladakh that are of dard origin or ruled 3.2 Mendok Rgyaspa
by dard kings [4]. Dard or brokpa is one of the
prominent tribes of Ladakh. It is believed to be a The word ‘mendok’ means flower and ‘rgyaspa’
residual culture of Bonism which prevails before corresponds to grand in local dialect. Thus, it is
Islam and Buddhism came to Ladakh which the grand celebration of a flower festival. When
corresponded to Old Aryan beliefs [5]. the Islamic religion came to Ladakh, particularly
Celebrated over three days, boys especially born in Kargil, the practice of this festival changed.
in Tiger Year (Stak-lo) go to the mountains to The use of mendok rgyaspa instead of sngo lha
collect flowers where they spend the night, while reflects the translation of this regional tradition
bachelor girls born in Sheep Year (Lug-lo) also into Islamic imaginaries [14]. The shift in
collect flowers from fields and make garlands to nomenclature is because of some practices
offer to the village god. At the dawn of the first associated with Buddhist ethos such as singing,
day of this festival, the boys bring the flowers to a dancing, drinking alcohol, venerating spirits, etc.
place where the festival is to be held (Fig. 1). The celebration is now specified on Thursday or
While descending the hill with flowers arranged Friday as these days are considered to be
on sticks, chak-shing, they enchant habe habe sacred in Islam as compared to other days of the
habe. They pass through the fields while week. Flowers plucked from fields or mountains
crushing the standing crops under their feet. It is are offered on the graves of their ancestors and
believed that the trampled crops would be relatives. At the cemetery men, women and
bounteous in the coming season [6]. The people children spread flower petals collected in wicker
and their guests gather at changrah, an open baskets. This is followed by the recitation of
ground, to receive the flower people. Each of the special prayers (fatiha) and verses from the holy
youths carries a tall pole in his hand with thickly Quran in memory of the deceased (Fig. 2) [15].
wound garlands of alpine flowers. From some The selected chapters from the noble Quran
distance, one can sense the sweet and such as Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah
intoxicating fragrance of the flowers. The youth An-Nas, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah Al-Kafirun, Surah
perform skillful round dances with the long poles Al-Qadr, Ayat Al-Kursi, Surah Yasin and many
[7,8]. The boys also make bouquets for their more are recited. Different types of traditional
lovers. In Buddhist villages, the villagers dishes prepared at home are distributed as alms
celebrate this festival with chang (local beer), (sadqa) at the graveyard or an open space [16].
music, and dance dressed in traditional attire. Sadqa is generally offered in Islam to fulfill a wish
Young boys, girls, adults, and guests dance turn- or to avert a misfortune. It is a ritual of
wise. Afterward, the flowers are taken to the local thanksgiving and celebration of the festival
monastery where the youths are served with food without singing, dancing, and beer consumption
and drink by the monks [7]. The villagers who are to keep with Islamic injunctions. These practices
outside the village return to their respective are prohibited in Islam. However, in the recent
villages on this occasion. On the morning of this past, the celebration of this very festival has
very day, a goat is offered to the village deity [9] been discouraged by religious clerics terming it
locally called sngo lha rigu. Brokpa beliefs as out of Islamic culture [14]. Despite that, it is
include appeasement of evil spirits and forces, currently celebrated in Phyang village of Leh
lha and lhamo, by the sacrifice of animals for the district [17] and some parts of Kargil district
betterment of the community [10]. ‘Lha’ means a among the Muslims particularly the dominating
god ‘lhamo’ means a goddess in the local dialect Shia sect of Islam. This age-old traditional
[11]. The blood of a sacrificed goat has special festival was celebrated as a grand celebration at
purifying powers [12]. A purification ceremony Pashkum village of Kargil district this year of 15th
locally called sangs has now replaced the of June, 2024 by Purig Cultural and Literary

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Society (PCLS) Kargil, in collaboration with the 3.4 Sngo lha of Kuksho Village
villagers of Pashkum [18]. The same
organization celebrated the festival at Kartse The traditional flower festival of Kuksho village is
Khar in 2023. Prominent personalities, literary very famous among all. In Kuksho village of
figures, historians, senior citizens of Kargil and Kargil district, according to Shakspo [19] Muslims
villagers of Pashkum village, students from and Buddhists used to organize sngo lha festival
various schools of Pashkum, volunteer groups jointly and participated by all villagers. The
among others attended the programme. inhabitants celebrate this festival in the spring
Speeches, poetry recitation, asking meanings of season when the valley is in full bloom with wild
idioms and phrases, cultural exhibitions were roses. Several days before the beginning of the
main attractions of the festival. festival, eighteen young boys, especially those
born in Tiger Year go to the mountains where
3.3 Mendok Stanmo they spend the night to collect flowers. Similarly,
eighteen young girls born in Sheep Year also
It is somewhat similar to sngo lha, but is collect flowers from nearby areas and make
celebrated in the month of August among the garlands to offer to the village god. They collect
non-dard Buddhist community of Kargil district the rare flowers endemic to the region, which
and Nubra valley of Leh district. The word comprise of Himalayan poppy, Himalayan rose
‘mendok’ means flower and ‘stanmo’ and Persian rose [20,21]. Garlands out of
corresponds to a festival in the local dialect. It is Himalayan rose and Persian yellow rose flowers
celebrated for two days. In the early morning, the are made. The Himalayan poppy is the main
flowers plucked by youth from mountains and flower of the festival. This flower is highly fragrant
fields are arranged on sticks. The elders sing a and is burnt in with juniper twigs. The admixture
special traditional song while the youth dance is believed to be auspicious and is burnt to purify
with the flower sticks (Fig. 3). the surroundings. Besides, the branches of

Fig. 1. Villagers bringing flowers during sngo lha. Photo credit: Vaneet Jitshu

Fig. 2. Offering flowers and prayers at cemetery during mendok rgyaspa

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Fig. 3. Performing flower dance during mendok stanmo

willow and wheat from the field are collected and 3.5 Mendok stanmo of Fokar and Mulbekh
all these are then presented as offerings to the Villages
local deity. After making collections, these girls
return down the hill slopes. Accompanied by the In Buddhist-dominated villages of the Kargil
villagers and the local village band, singing and district viz. Wakha, Mulbekh, Fokar, Shargole,
dancing merrily they proceed towards the etc. a similar festival is held in the month of
common place of worship in the village. The August every year which is locally referred to as
religious ceremony is held while chanting of the Mendok Stanmo [23,24]. It is generally
Lamas. The offerings are meant to fulfill their celebrated on the 15th day of the 6th month
aspirations as well as for the peace and (Tukpe chonga) of the Tibetan calendar [25]. In
prosperity of the village. The villagers dressed in Fokar village, on the day of the festival, the
traditional dresses gather at a specific location unmarried boys and girls used to offer all kinds of
on the festival day. The lha-rdak recites lha-gsol flowers to their territorial god. The boys decorate
while offering libation where names of various the flower into the stick, which already cut into
village gods such as Chomo of Fokar, Chomo of four parts on the top of the stick, so that the
Hagnis, Yagra Chomo of Domkhar, Daknak flower can easily put on the stick, locally known
Chomo of Khaltse, Lhamo of Dargo, Zangldan of as chak-shing. The girls hung the garlands of the
Hanu, Zangnam of Skubuchan, Stakpa Lhachen flowers over the stick, which is known as patta. It
of Kuksho, etc. are lauded. The lha-rdag of a is carried in a group of three to five girls. Later it
village is the caretaker of the gods, belongs to is offered to the various gonpas [26]. The festival
the Rus-cen lineage, and owns the hereditary celebrated at Mulbekh is a special one. This
responsibility of servicing the village deity. He festival is celebrated at the famous 9th-century
sacrifices animals on behalf of the villagers and rock-carved Buddha Maitreya statue (Chamba
attains elevated status in the village. Folk songs statue) of Mulbekh for 2-3 days. The prayer flag-
in honor of gods, folk dances while holding changing ceremony is the specialty of this
flowers in hands, eating delicious foods, drinking festival where an old villager climbs the statue
of local beer, chang are some of the specialties without ropes or harnesses, and barefoot to
that follow the lha-gsol ceremony. It is interesting change the prayer flags (Fig. 4). The event
to note that, married women are not allowed to witnesses a massive local as well as tourist
offer flowers or are even not allowed to the gathering [27]. Special prayers are performed by
particular birch tree where the village deity is the head lama followed by a flower dance. All the
believed to be resided. Similarly, a newly sticks arranged with flowers are then kept on the
engaged girl offers her last sngo lha prayers for feet of the statue. During this festival participants
the prosperity of herself, her new home, her are entertained through songs, dances, games,
village, and her village god. However, with time, etc. Food stalls serve local dishes.
this old-aged tradition is badly affected by
external religious influences. The Muslims of the 3.6 Mendok stanmo of Nubra Valley
village have now disassociated themselves and
participate in the traditional festivals as In Nubra, collected flowers are worn on heads.
spectators only [22,17]. People from surrounding Similarities between the flowers are believed to
villages also participate in this festival of Kuksho be friends (chuspun) or marriage pairs [28].
village.

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Dressed in traditional dresses all the villagers offered to Mahandeo deity and the Kalasha
sing, dance, eat, and drink during the event. people pray for welfare of the community. With
the start of second phase, celebrations of the
3.7 Similar Festivals in Other Parts of the festivals begin. During the second phase of the
World festival a ceremony called gulprik is celebrated in
which all those babies who born after the last
Similar festivals are also celebrated in other parts Joshi are brought to highlands in each village
of the world particularly in Pakistan which was with their mothers. They all are allowed to go
once a part of Indian Sub-continent by the Dards even the most sacred place of the Kalasha; goat
or Aryans. Khan [29] writes that sngo lha sheds or barns and an onjesta suda (a virgin
resembles the Sheenu-Bozanoo spring festival of boy) throws milk on them as a ritual to purify
Gilgit, the capital of Baltistan, Pakistan, where them. In this way in fact all the babies become
apart from merry-making, people use the the part of the Kalasha tribe. At the end of the
occasion to pray for a good crop. Ali and Chawla celebration, the Kalasha elders sing the songs
[30] reported a similar festival known as Joshi and dance. The girls enjoy the Cha, an up-tempo
(also called as Zoshi) celebrated in Chitral district dance in which groups of girls clasp each other’s
of Khyber Pakhtunwa, Pakistan in the month of shoulders and dance in spinning circles. Joshi’s
May to welcome the spring by the Kalasha (of third stage is celebrated for two days in the
Indo-Aryan race) community. The first preparing valleys. Different types of songs are sung and
phase of Joshi festival consists of ten days. The dances are performed during these two days.
shepherds live in goat-houses and do not visit The songs attributed to love, tragedies and wars
their homes for nine days. During the very days are sung by the community. The songs of Joshi
the shepherds clean the goat-sheds and all festival reflect themes ranging from Kalasha
utensils. The people start storing milk in barns history to romance. At the last day of the festival,
before ten days when elders of the community elders sing Gatch, a very secret song, and all
announce the dates for the festival. After the first participants wave branches of walnut and they
phase of the festival, young boys and girls fetch pray for abundance of milk of goats. Kalashas
yellow flowers (Sophora Mollis) from the pastures believe that fairies come to participate in this
and branches of walnut to decorate their houses, ritual and they also wave walnut branches.
doorways, walls and also decorate barns and the
Jestak han, the temple of Jestak. Practically, this 3.8 Folk Songs
is the first day of the festival. On the said day, the
collected milk is distributed among the fellow Folk songs are one of the main parts of this
tribes on the day of festival. The ceremony of festival along with other important activities
distributing and drinking the milk is called chirik associated. These songs belong to the zung lu
pipi. On the first day, men visit the shrine of (public song) category of the Ladakhi folk songs.
Shingmou, they clean it, decorate it with new Among the three categories, the other two are
branches and offer some dried mulberries and ngal tsol lu (labor song) and ging lu (Gesar epic
walnuts to the shrine. During the Joshi festival song) [31]. The folk songs are recorded and
the Kalasha women sing the melodic songs and published by Francke, et al. [7]. Among the
dance on the beats of the drums. Some songs various folk songs of Baltistan, the song related
are sung in the praise of Dramui who was to the flower festival, mindok hltanmo is a
believed to be a great hunter in past days, while famous one [32]. Before the partition of India in
some songs represent affections and love. 1947, Baltistan and Ladakh were under one
Second phase of Joshi represents the religious wazarat (district) of the state of Jammu and
climax of respective festival. Many sacrifices are Kashmir [33].

Fig. 4. Prayer flag changing ceremony at Chamba statue, Mulbekh

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Some special folk songs related to the flower festival are elaborated below:
This song in the local dialect is taken from YouTube posted by Lhasal [34].

Transliterated Ladakhi language Translation in English

Zhan tang skarma dzombe zhak la mendok : This day is the day of Star Dzomba, hey flower
stanmo la ho festival.
Skarma dzomba sharve zhak la mendok : The day of the rising of star Dzomba, hey flower
stanmo la ho festival.
Mendok stanmo kang la jung la mendok : From where the flower festival started, hey flower
stanmo la ho festival?
Spadum tsase ldumra na jung la mendok : It started from the flower garden of Ldumra1, hey
stanmo la ho flower festival.
Majing chonmoe dru lakshik la mendok : The crop of the big field be good, hey flower
stanmo la ho festival.
Olthang chonmoe lu lakshik la mendok : The fodder of the big lucern field be good, hey
stanmo la ho flower festival.
Mendokpa gyoksa stanmopa gyoks la : The flower bearers reach first or the artists reach
mendok stanmo lay first, hey flower festival?
Mendokpa gyoksa stanmopa gyoks la : The flower bearers reach first or the artists reach
serchen stanmo lay first, hey Serchen2 festival?
Mendokpa gyoksna shabashik molang : If the flower bearers reach first say well done, hey
mendok stanmo lay flower festival.
Stanmopa gyoksna shabashik molang : If the artists reach first say well done, hey
serchen stanmo lay Serchen festival.

This folk song in the local dialect is documented by Khan [29].

Transliterated Purgi language Translation in English

Mendok stanmoe chi senmo, mendok : What is the attraction of the festival, hey flower
stanmo ho festival?
Spang ponari yol chatet, mendok stanmo ho : The blossoming of Spang ponar3, hey flower
festival.
Siya na serpoe khabu yaset, mendok : The opening of the bud of a golden rose, hey
stanmo ho flower festival.
Ajang pi gojing tar chana, mendok stanmo : The crushing of the uncle’s nearby field, hey
ho flower festival.
Majing chonmoe lu lyakshik, mendok : The crop of the big field be good, hey flower
stanmo ho festival.
Olthang chonmoe lu lyaqshik, mendok : The fodder of the big lucern field be good, hey
stanmo ho flower festival.
Siya na marpoe khabu yaset, mendok : The opening of the bud of red rose, hey flower
stanmo ho festival.
Mendokpa gyoksa stanmopa gyoks, : The flower bearers reach first or the artists reach
mendok stanmo ho first, hey flower festival?
Mendokpa gyoksna shabashik tong, : If the flower bearers reach first say well done, hey
mendok stanmo ho flower festival.
Stanmopa gyoksna serchem zhik khyong, : If the artists reach first bring a Serchen, hey
mendok stanmo ho flower festival.
Mendok stanmo ga na bing, mendok : From where the flower festival started, hey flower
stanmo ho festival?
Mendok stanmo shar na bing, mendok : It started from the east, hey flower festival.
stanmo ho
Mendok stanmoe chi senmo, mendok : What is the attraction of the festival, hey flower
stanmo ho festival?
Mendok stanmoe rstes senmo, mendok : It is the dance of the festival, hey flower festival.
stanmo ho

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The lines from the folk song documented by Francke, et al. [7] are described as:

Transliterated Ladakhi language Translation in English

Jak nang skarma dzomse yod, mentok : This is the day of the constellation of the stars,
stanmo lay the flower show, hurrah!
Skarma gyal stok sharwe jak yodh, mentok : It is the day of the finest of the lunar mansions,
stanmo lay the flower show, hurrah!
Yar ngoye chonga gangwe jak, mentok : It is the 15th when the first half of the month is fall,
stanmo lay the flower show, hurrah!
Mentok stanmo gang na shaks, mentok : From where do you bring these showy flowers?
stanmo lay the flower show, hurrah! (First Party)
Mentok stanmo shar na shaks, mentok : These showy flowers we bring from the East, the
stanmo lay flower show, hurrah! (Second Party)
Shar-e-skad cha chin ta duk, mentok : What news do you bring from the East? the
stanmo lay flower-show, hurrah! (First Party)
Gyalpoe bur-mok thonpo du, mentok : There the king’s helmet is very high, the flower
stanmo lay k show, hurrah! (Second Party)
Mentok stanmo gang na yongs, mentok : From where do you bring these showy flowers?
stanmo lay the flower-show, hurrah! (First Party)
Mentok stanmo lho na yongs, mentok : These showy flowers we bring from the South,
stanmo lay the flower show, hurrah! (Second Party)

While quoting the lines of an informant about sngo lha festival, Agarwal [35] writes:

A hundred boys born in the Tiger Year gather fragrant chondol flowers.

A hundred girls born in the Sheep Year gather rose buds.

In the valley below, sngo lha is coming.
In the fields above, srub lha is coming.
But what rises in the sky?
Let long-tailed comets rise.
What takes birth in the earth?
Let leaves of poison take birth.

3.9 Poetry

The poetry associated with mendok rgyaspa, composed and recited by Kacho Isfindar Khan is
telecast by Ladakh Express [18].

Transliterated Purgi language Translation in English

Thonmo lago gun la yas pi de lilo gun ta yari : The flowers that bloom on high passes are Your
shashdea blessings
La lungba la yas pi de lilo gun ta yari : The flowers that bloom in valleys are Your
shashdea blessings
Smuli thakpa skyangin dulbi de chumik gun : The springs that flow like silver ropes are Your
ta yari shasdea blessings
Rhi na lungba khete yotpi trijim gun ta yari : The fragrances of flowers that spread across the
shasdea mountains and valleys are Your blessings

Important Quranic chapters

The Quranic chapters that are recited by everyone during mendok rgyaspa festival on the graves of
their deceased family members, relatives, and friends are discussed as 4:

Surah Al-Fatiha Wikipedia, Al-Fatiha, [36].

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Transliterated Arabic language Translation in English

Bismi l-lahi r-raḥmani r-raḥim : In the name of God, the most compassionate, the
most merciful
Alḥamdu lil-lahi rab-bi l-alamin : All praise is for God - Lord of all worlds
Ar-raḥmani r-raḥim : the most compassionate, most merciful
Maliki yawmi d-ddn : Owner of the Day of Judgement
Iy-yaka na budu wa iy-yaka nasta‘in : You, alone, we worship and You, alone, we ask
for help
Ihdina ṣ-ṣiraṭa l-mustaqim : Guide us along the straight path
Ṣiraṭa l-ladhina an amta alayhim, ghayri l- : the path of those You have blessed, not those
maghḍubi alayhim wala ḍ-ḍal-lin You are displeased with, or those who are astray.

Surah Al-Ikhlas Wikipedia, Al-Ikhlas, [37].

Transliterated Arabic language Translation in English

Bismi l-lahi r-raḥmani r-raḥim : In the name of God, the most compassionate, the
most merciful
Qul huwa l-lahu ahad : Say: He is Allah, the Only
allahu s-samad : Allah, the Eternal, Absolute
Lam yalid walam yulad : He begetteth not, nor is He begotten
Walam yaku n-lahu kufu an aḥad : And there is none like unto Him

Surah Al-Qadr Wikipedia, Al-Qadr, [38].

Transliterated Arabic language Translation in English

Bismi l-lahi r-raḥmani r-raḥim : In the name of God, the most compassionate, the
most merciful
In-na anzalnahu fi lailatil qadr : Verily we sent down the Qur'an in the night of al
Qadr.
Wama adraka ma lailatul qadr : And what shall make thee understand how
excellent the night of al Qadr is?
Laila tul qadri khairu m-min alfi Shahar : The night of al Qadr is better than a thousand
months.
Tana z-zalul malaikatu wa r-roohu fiha biizni : Therein do the angels descend, and the spirit of
ra b-bihi m-min ku l-li amr Gabriel also, by the permission of their Lord, with
his decrees concerning every matter.
Salaamun hiya ha t-ta matlail fajr : It is peace until the rising of the morning

4. IMPORTANCE OF THE FLOWER 4.2 Traditional Cuisine

FESTIVAL
Ethnic foods are expressions of the culture,
4.1 Blossoming Beauty history, and lifestyle of a particular region [39,40].
A delectable array of local dishes allows villagers
One of the most captivating aspects of this age- to savor the flavors of their region. Traditional
old flower festival is the stunning display of Ladakhi and Balti delicacies are prepared using
flowers that adorn the region. The region remains locally sourced ingredients, providing a culinary
barren throughout the winter because there is no journey through the region's gastronomic
vegetation due to the harsh climatic conditions. heritage. The various traditional dishes of Ladakh
Ladakh's arid landscape undergoes a miraculous are Paba/Papa, Chu-tagi/Chu-taki, Skyu,
transformation as vibrant petals and lush Thukpa, Mok-mok, Timoq, Tagi-khmabir/Tagi-
greenery blanket the region during the festival. skyuchuks, Tagi-thaltak, Tagi-buskuruk, Tagi-
The native flowers of Ladakh, including the iconic sramo, Chang, Araq, Cha-khante/Cha-namkeen,
Himalayan poppy, Rhododendron, Edelweiss, Cha-khunak, Kholaq, Pheymar, Khura,
and various species of wild roses, create a Kiseer/Tain-tain, Tapu/Prapu, Tsabskhur,
mesmerizing tapestry of colors that captivate the Yoza/Yos, Popot, Azoq, Skien, Gyuma, Nang,
senses. Sri, Oma/Orjen, Zho/Oma, Tara/Darba, Churpe,

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Labo, Churku, Mar, Fating, Chuli, etc. The Ladakh's cultural heritage and strengthens bonds
traditional foods of Ladakh have tremendous between different communities. The increased
health benefits along with good nutritional tourism also provides economic opportunities for
attributes [40]. Society is moving towards fast- the region, boosting local businesses, and
food, ready-to-eat, and ready-to-cook systems hospitality services, and promoting sustainable
under the ages of modernization thus tasting the tourism practices.
local dishes less frequently. Mendok rgyaspa or
sngo lha festival along with the mamani festival 4.6 Community Engagement and
provide an opportunity for the locals as well as Conservation
the tourists to enjoy the flavor of the local
delicacies. Mamani is an ethnic food festival that Beyond the festivities, this festival also serves as
is celebrated annually by both Muslim and a platform to promote environmental awareness
Buddhist communities in Ladakh and Baltistan (a and conservation efforts. Recognizing the fragile
region separated from Ladakh during the ecosystem of the Ladakh and Himalayan
Partition of 1947, now in Pakistan-Occupied regions, the festival emphasizes the importance
Kashmir) [41]. of sustainable practices and the need to protect
the natural beauty that draws visitors from
4.3 Cultural Extravaganza around the world. This study addresses an
important gap in the literature and
The cultural significance of the festival is deeply offers valuable insights for reviving and
intertwined with the region's Bonism-inspired preserving this significant cultural practice. The
traditions. The Ladakhi people believe the flower manuscript can also make a valuable
festival is an occasion for spiritual renewal and contribution to the understanding and
community bonding. Beyond the floral spectacle, preservation of cultural heritage in the face of
the mendok rgyaspa or sngo lha or mendok modernization, a critical concern for scholars,
stanmo festival is an occasion for the Ladakhi policymakers, and development practitioners
people to showcase their vibrant cultural working in diverse cultural contexts around the
heritage. Traditional music and dance world. The study also helps in balancing
performances take center stage, filling the air economic, institutional, and contextual
with melodious tunes and graceful movements Considerations.
that reflect the spirit of the region. These
performances are a reflection of Ladakh's 5. CONCLUSION
diverse cultural influences, blending Tibetan, and
Central Asian elements. The mendok rgyaspa or sngo lha or mendok
stanmo flower festival of Ladakh is an
4.4 Unity and Community Spirit extraordinary celebration that encapsulates the
beauty, spirituality, and unity of the Ladakhi
This flower festival is more than just a celebration people. With its rich historical roots, colorful floral
of nature and culture; it serves as a unifying force displays, captivating performances, and
for the people of Ladakh. In a region where the emphasis on cultural preservation, the festival
harsh climatic conditions have shaped a resilient has evolved into a significant cultural event that
community, the festival acts as a symbol of not only brings joy and inspiration to the locals
collective strength and perseverance. It fosters a but also invites outsiders to partake in the magic
sense of belonging among the residents and of Ladakh's traditions. Thus, the revival of this
encourages a spirit of cooperation and solidarity. diminishing old tradition has been strongly felt at
this stage. All the stakeholders, including
4.5 Promotion of Tourism and Cultural villagers, government organizations, non-
Exchange government organizations, religious heads,
tourist agencies, historians, etc. should join
In recent years, this ethnic festival has garnered hands to promote this festival to enhance
increasing attention from tourists, scholars, and sustainability in terms of culture, tradition,
cultural enthusiasts from around the world. The environment, and profitability for the locals.
festival has become a unique platform for cultural
exchange, allowing visitors to immerse NOTES
themselves in Ladakhi traditions and interact with
the local population. This exchange of ideas and 1. Ldumra is the traditional name of Nubra
perspectives fosters a deeper understanding of which means “Valley of Flowers”. It is

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 Hussain et al.; Arch. Curr. Res. Int., vol. 24, no. 8, pp. 156-168, 2024; Article no.ACRI.122609

administered as a sub-division 7. Francke AH, Ribbach S, Shawe E. Ladakhi

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