Leh Ladakh
Leh Ladakh Culture
The
demeanour of the people is affected by their religion, especially among the
women. Among the Buddhists, as also the Muslims of the Leh area, women not noly
work inthe house and field, but also do business and interact freely with men
other thatn their own relations. In Kargil and its adjoining regions on the
other hand, it is only in the last few years that women are emerging from semi-seclusion
and taking jobs other than traditional ones like farming and house -keeping.
The natureal joie-de-vivre of the Ladakhis is given free rein by the ancient
traditions of the region. Monastic and other religious festivals, many of which
fall in winter, provide the excuse for convivial gatherings. Summer pastimes
all over the region are archery and polo. Among the Buddhists, these often develop
into open-air parties accompanied by dance and song, at which chang, the local
brew made from fermented barley, flows freely. 
Of
the secular culture, the most important element is the rich oral leterature
ofsongs and poems for every occasion, as well as local versions of the Kesar
Saga, the Tibetan national epic. Buddhists and Muslims.In fact,the most highly developed versions of the Kesar Saga,a nd some of the most exuberant and lyrical songs are said tobe found in Shakar-Chigtan, an area of the western Kargil district exclusively inhabited by Muslims, unfortunately not freely open to tourists yet.
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