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Indian Army Launches Drass Winter Carnival 'Jashn-e-Fateh 2026' in Snowy Ladakh

The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps has inaugurated the Drass Winter Carnival, 'Jashn-e-Fateh 2026', in Ladakh under Operation Sadbhavana. The event features ice hockey, archery, and cultural performances to engage youth and strengthen community ties during the harsh winter. Its launch coincides with the first seasonal snowfall transforming Drass and Leh into picturesque winter landscapes. The carnival highlights the Army's role in local development while celebrating the unique culture and resilience of one of the world's coldest inhabited regions.

Key Points: Drass Winter Carnival 2026: Army's Ladakh Festival in Snow

  • Ice Hockey & Archery Competitions
  • Traditional Shina & Balti Performances
  • Fostering Civil-Military Ties
  • First Seasonal Snowfall in Drass & Leh
2 min read

Indian Army kicks off Drass Winter Carnival 'Jashn-e-Fateh 2026' in Ladakh

Indian Army inaugurates Jashn-e-Fateh 2026 winter carnival in Drass, Ladakh, featuring ice sports, cultural shows & community bonding in extreme cold.

"Celebrating Life in the Second Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth - Carnival Theme"

Drass, January 3

The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps on Saturday inaugurated the Drass Winter Carnival, titled 'Jashn-e-Fateh 2026', in Drass, Ladakh, under Operation Sadbhavana.

Amidst freezing temperatures, the opening ceremony kicked off this most anticipated winter spectacle - a thrilling mix of sports and cultural extravaganza, themed "Celebrating Life in the Second Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth".

A collaborative effort with the local community, the carnival showcases Men's & Women's Ice Hockey, Archery, and Tent Pegging competitions, alongside captivating traditional performances by Shina, Balti, and Purgi troupes, as well as a Martial Arts Display by the Karate Club, Drass. The event empowers emerging athletes, engages youth and brings the community together during the harsh winter months.

By fostering civil-military ties and highlighting local culture, the carnival underscores the Army's commitment to Ladakh's development and nation-building.

The festival comes as Drass received its first snowfall of the season on Saturday, turning it into a picturesque winter marvel. Visuals from Kargil show the peaks of Tiger Hill covered in snow.

Meanwhile, Leh turned into a white wonderland following its first snowfall last week. Thick layers of snow engulfed the place. Visuals from Leh showed trees completely covered in snow, and houses and fences were also blanketed.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Leh recorded a minimum temperature of -2°C.

Additionally, Sonamarg in the Kashmir Valley also witnessed the first snowfall of the season last week, covering the region in a thick blanket of white. At the same time, Srinagar continues to experience a persistent cold wave with foggy mornings.

In Sonamarg, Ganderbal district, residents and tourists enjoyed a winter wonderland as snow settled on vehicles, buildings, and roads. As the snow continued to fall, many enjoyed activities such as snowball fights and morning walks, soaking up the scenic beauty.

Tourists expressed delight at the snowfall. A visitor from Assam said, "We enjoyed it after leaving the hotel in the morning. Due to the cold, we have to wear double clothes and caps. Snowfall needs to happen. We thought about that before coming here, and everyone would enjoy the visit more if snow came."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful to see the Shina, Balti, and Purgi cultures being showcased. Our diversity is our strength. The pictures must be stunning with all that snow. More power to the people of Drass! ❄️
R
Rohit P
While the carnival is a great morale booster, I hope the development focus is year-round and includes sustainable infrastructure and job creation for locals. The Army's role is commendable, but long-term planning with the civil administration is key.
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Michael C
As a tourist who visited Leh last year, this is fantastic to see. These events really put Ladakh on the global map for winter tourism. Ice hockey in India? Amazing! Kudos to the organizers.
S
Sneha F
"Celebrating Life in the Second Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth" - What a powerful theme! It shows the indomitable spirit of our people in the far north. Salute to the soldiers and civilians braving -2°C to make this happen. 🏔️
V
Vikram M
Great step for national integration. When our army engages with local culture and sports, it sends a strong message of unity. Hope the youth participating get more platforms. The martial arts display must be thrilling!

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