The 9th edition of the Annual Hemis Winter Festival began on January 12 at Hemis Monastery, led by His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche. The five-day-long festival led by His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche attracted thousands of devotees at the monastery.

The festival was initiated under the guidance of His Holiness Drukpa Rinpoche and is held every year to honor the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Ladakh. This year's celebration holds special significance with a focus on the recitation of the "Ami Dewa Sri" mantra and prayer, for the purpose of world peace and harmony.

His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche highlighted that the festival is not just a spiritual event but also a platform for addressing important social concerns. While the primary aim is spiritual development, the event serves as a call to action for raising awareness about various social issues. Topics such as environmental sustainability, the importance of moral education, the fostering of unity, and the promotion of peace and harmony were discussed during the event. His Eminence emphasized that it is essential to strike a balance between the spiritual and social needs of the community, aiming to bring about positive and meaningful change in the lives of the people. 

His Eminence called on people to practice selflessness as a means to achieve mental peace and spiritual growth. He emphasized that true spiritual development arises from inner transformation, and it is through positive changes within oneself that individuals can contribute to the greater good of society.

During his address with media, His Eminence expressed deep concern about the challenges that modern society faces, particularly the erosion of patience and understanding. He stated, “In today’s fast-paced world, we are witnessing a breakdown in patience. This is not just a challenge in Ladakh but a universal concern. With the rapid pace of modernization, life has become more complicated, and people, especially the youth, are struggling to keep up with these changes. There is a growing gap between the expectations of parents and the experiences of the youth, which often leads to stress and anxiety.”

He continued by stressing the importance of understanding and communication between the generations, urging people to come together and address these issues with empathy and guidance. He emphasized the need to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and work towards fostering a more compassionate society, especially among the youth who are most affected by these social dynamics.

The Hemis Winter Festival thus serves not only as a spiritual gathering but as a reminder of the broader social issues that need attention. Through prayer, reflection, and shared learning, the festival aims to inspire participants to bring about positive changes both in their own lives and within the community at large.