Pashmina's Purple Patch

- Arshia Dhar

EVERY bend and turn in this town is a photographer’s dream. It’s like walking out of bed and nose-diving into a picture postcard. Half the year is spent under a lockdown of snow and ice, completely washed out by a blanket of white. But, when it’s thawed out during the remaining six months, the phenomenon of FOMO (fear of missing out) is real in the land of high passes. With no universities and only a handful of colleges offering limited courses in their hometown, an outflux of young energy has been the norm in Ladakh. However, the winds are changing: after pursuing higher education in metropolises across the country, many Ladakhi youngsters are returning to rediscover their culture and history in a new light. How? Through indigenous textiles and weaves. “The number of government jobs in Ladakh has reduced in the past couple of years, forcing youngsters to think creatively for their livelihood,” says Tashi Morup, projects director at the Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation. And while many are investing in local food and drinks, a considerable number are showing interest in traditional garments and weaves.