A large number of participants from different parts of the country participate in Sindhu Darshan Festival. They bring water from the river of their own state in earthen pots and immerse these pots in the Sindhu River. Consequently, the waters of all rivers mingle together, thereby symbolizing the multi-dimensional cultural identity of the country. The first day of the Sindhu Darshan Festival witnesses a reception ceremony for the participants, organized on the banks of Sindhu at Shey. This reception ceremony is conducted by a joint association of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Shia Majlis, Sunni Anjuman, Christian Moravian Church, Hindu Trust and Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee. As a part of the ritual, fifty senior Lamas conduct a prayer on the banks of the river. A series of cultural programs is also presented by the artists from various states of the country. A sightseeing tour is organized for the participants and the day comes to an end with a bonfire at night. After the cultural programs and sightseeing trip, a puja is organized on the second day of the Sindhu Darshan Festival. On the third day, the participants get ready for the departure.
3-day Sindhu Darshan
Speaking at Sindhu Ghat here after inaugurating the Sindhu Darshan Festival, Mr Abdullah said that he has requested visiting Home Minister P Chidambaran to take up this issue again with China so that the yatra could begin soon.
He said that Ladakh’s vast tourism potential should be showcased to the world to attract more and more tourists to Ladakh and this would besides giving fillip to its art and culture, promote the economy in the region as well.
Pointing towards some more tourism promotional measures, the Chief Minister stressed the need to make easy access to Ladakh by enhancing the frequencies of air services and making the procedure of Inner-line permit flexible.
Mr Abdullah said that Ladakh will see a tremendous development in tourism sector within next few years, adding Ladakh’s power potential in Solar, Hydro and Geo-thermal would also get a new boost at the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah who holds the Renewable Energy Ministry at Centre.
Stating that Sindhu Darshan festival is playing a good role in promoting tourism in Ladakh, he stressed for creating more awareness about Ladakh’s rich art, culture and ethos.
The festival began with the Chief Minister, attired in a traditional colourful Ladakhi dress, performing the traditional puja where water brought from different rivers of the country is poured in the Sindhu river.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora said that the main two aims of celebrating this festival was to pay homage to the Indus river that gave birth to a glorious civilization and the another purpose of the festival was to stretch the tourist season in Ladakh.
Earlier, Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh Chering Dorje welcomed CM and others.
Political Advisor to CM, Devinder Rana, Executive Councillors and Deputy Commisioner A K Sahu were prominent among others present on the occasion.
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