Pilgrims from different parts of India amassed and celebrated the symbolic festival of river Indus, Sindhu Darshan on June 24 at Sindhu Ghat, Shey.  Organised by Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti and Ladakh Phandey Tsogspa the festival was witnessed by a galaxy of dignitaries and devotees.

The programme was carried out after the prayer offered by His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche to the Indus River. Devotees performed holy dip and with different rituals worshipped the river Indus.

Unlearned from the last year experiences, chaos related to the seat reservation for the dignitaries made CEC Dr. Sonam Dawa and Chering Dorje, Minister for Co-operative and Ladakh Affairs to walk out from the function.

Growing in numbers over the years, a total of 1520 devotees participated in the Sindhu Yatra this year. Chief Guest of the occasion, His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche said, “Ladakh is a blessed region with full of spirituality, blessing and people are with full of love, compassion and enjoys peace and prosperity”.

His Eminence said that the festival marks a sense of brotherhood and harmony among the people of different communities and faith.

Talking about the significance of the river Indus, His Eminence said that the river is sending the message of peace, harmony, and unity and such celebration will ensure strong bonding among each and everyone.

Not just limiting ourselves towards taking a blessing from all the holy rivers, His Eminence stressed to serve all the rivers by putting an effort in keeping them clean.  He further advised the organising committee to organise cleanliness drive or other activities in near future.  

Ironically, Indresh Kumar, Chief Patron, Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti and also an RSS leader despite speaking more about the festival importance and cultural identity chose to speak more on Gau Rakshak- the cow protection group and the relationship of India with the neighbouring countries.

 

Stating the importance of Cow and terming holy he said, “Meat or the “gosht”   is a disease and milk is a cure. Whoever sacrifices and consume gosht is eating in a way a poison and a disease.”

He stated that in every religion, a cow is termed holy mother and is given a special importance and thus urged people not to eat beef as it is a sin.

A team of Gau Rakshak- the cow protection group with Indus water was also flagged off on the day. The group of people will be on padh yatra across India for 300 days.

Talking about the growing terrorism, stone-pelters and those who speak against India despite having the citizenship of the nation, Indresh Kumar said, “If you can’t love India and are willing to go to Pakistan should go back, we don’t have any issues. Even after residing in India, anti-national slogans and activities are carried out it is against the teaching of Islam and national patriotism.”

Stressing on making the economic status of the China weak, Indresh Kumar also asked people to condemn Chinese products at all levels and to encourage the products made in India.

Speaking of the cultural identity and strong patriotism of Ladakh, MP Thupstan Chhewang said, “the culture and tradition of Ladakh are unique and different from the rest of the country but the feeling of oneness, unity, and nationalism of the people is beyond comparison”.

He further added the importance of inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution and appealed people gathered in the festival to support the demand.

Expressing the importance of opening route of Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Ladakh, he also informed about the Chota Kailash yatra comprised of 100 people, flagged off recently for the very first time to Demchok, the last village at the Indo- China border. 

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment also spoke on the occasion.