LEH: The short documentary film ‘Nomads Under the Stars’, documenting the traditional way of life, culture and livelihoods of Ladakh’s nomadic communities, was screened at the Leh Polo Ground and Rang Thag on Saturday as part of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2026.
Produced by the Jungwa Foundation, an Indian non-profit organisation founded in 2018 and engaged in heritage conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Ladakh’s trans-Himalayan region, the film has been directed by Stanzin Dorjai Gya.
Addressing the gathering, Gyan Lay of Karzok Monastery stressed the need to document and preserve the traditional way of life of nomadic communities for future generations. He said the film seeks to document the traditional lifestyle of the Changthang region, enabling younger generations to learn about and appreciate its culture, traditions and livelihoods while contributing to their preservation.
The film focuses on the traditional practices, culture and animal-based livelihoods of Changthang’s nomadic communities, including their migration patterns, clothing and other aspects of pastoral life.
Gyan Lay also highlighted the need to protect Tsomoriri Lake from pollution and littering, urging local communities as well as tourists and other visitors to share responsibility for safeguarding its fragile environment.
Speaking about the traditional migration practices followed by nomadic communities across Changthang, he stressed the need to support pastoral communities and contribute to the sustainable development of their traditional livelihoods.
Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, appreciated filmmaker Stanzin Dorjai Gya, the Jungwa Foundation and others associated with the production for documenting the traditional life and cultural heritage of Ladakh’s nomadic communities.
Rodrigues said films of this nature can bring Ladakh’s cultural traditions and the lived experiences of its communities to a wider audience. He also appreciated efforts to document and preserve traditional knowledge, practices and heritage.
He further stressed the importance of responsible tourism and collective efforts to protect Ladakh’s fragile environment and cultural heritage. According to him, initiatives documenting traditional lifestyles can create greater awareness among visitors and encourage greater respect for local communities, cultural practices and the natural environment. The Administrative Secretary also distributed mementos to dignitaries in appreciation of their contribution.
‘Nomads Under the Stars’ offers an intimate portrayal of the nomadic communities of Ladakh, documenting their relationship with the land, pastoral livelihoods and cultural traditions against the backdrop of the high-altitude landscape. The screening brought together local residents, tourists and culture enthusiasts, providing a platform to showcase Ladakh’s traditional lifestyle and heritage through documentary cinema.
