The demeanour of the people is affected by their religion, especially among the women in leh culture. Among the Buddhists, as also the Muslims of the Leh area, women not only work in the house and field, but also do business and interrelate freely with men other than their own relations. In Kargil and its adjacent regions on the other hand, it is only in the last few years that women are up-and-coming from semi-seclusion and taking jobs other than traditional ones like farming and house-keeping. The natural enthusiasm of the Ladakhis in leh culture is given free restraint by the ancient traditions of the region. Monastic and other religious festivals in culture of Leh, many of which fall in winter, provide the excuse for welcoming gatherings. The two best pastimes all over the state during summer season are Polo and Archery. Between the Buddhists, these frequently assemble open-air parties grace with song and dance. The locally made brew by fermented barley called 'chang' is served freely.
Of the secular culture, the most vital element in
leh culture
is the rich oral literature of songs and poems for every occasion, as well as local versions of the Kesar Saga, the Tibetan national epic. In fact, the most highly developed versions of the Kesar Saga, and some of the most enthusiastic and lyrical songs are said to be found in Shakar-Chigtan, an area of the western Kargil district solely inhabited by Muslims, unfortunately not freely open to tourists yet.
The culture of Leh Ladakh is quite alike to the Tibetan culture because of the region's close closeness with Tibet. In Ladakh the cuisines in
leh culture
are mostly of Tibetan origin like thukpa and tsampo. Since the times are changing, the food and cuisine are also changing, the cooking styles are influenced by the central Asian cultures and other parts of India are available. Even the construction and architecture of Leh and Ladakh find strong influence of Tibetan culture and its suggestions like reality of dragon can be seen in Tibetan style. You can find Buddhist as well as Tibetan influences in its religion in Leh culture. Most of the chants are in Sanskrit or Tibetan.
