# Ladakh’s Chartses and Jabro dances weave conservation into culture 2026-08-09T02:00:05+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A travel essay in The Hindu describes how traditional Ladakhi dances encode ecological stewardship. The Chartses (bird dance), performed by women in Sulma gowns, mimics the flight of migratory birds and marks their spring return after harsh winters. The Jabro dance, with two performers in a yak costume, portrays the animal's behaviour, celebrating its role as a lifeline in the rugged Himalayas. The author draws a parallel with Kerala's Theyyam rituals, performed in sacred groves called kaavus, which protect biodiversity as abodes of deities. The column argues that such dances are ancient, sophisticated tools for ecological management, not just art forms. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Chartses, conservation, ecology, Ladakh, Theyyam, traditional dance Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ladakhs-chartses-and-jabro-dances-weave-conservation-into-culture/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ladakhs-chartses-and-jabro-dances-weave-conservation-into-culture/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.