Adv Gyalson links Sindhu Darshan Festival to Ladakh’s Tourism growth, calls for expanding Pilgrimage circuits

Over 3,500 Devotees attend Sindhu Darshan Mahakumbh in Leh

LEH: Former Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the BJP-led Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson on Friday pitched for positioning Ladakh as a major destination for spiritual tourism, saying cultural and religious events such as the Sindhu Darshan Mahakumbh could strengthen the region’s economy while showcasing its rich heritage.

Addressing the inaugural Sindhu Darshan Mahakumbh at Shey Marla in Leh, Gyalson said improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity and development initiatives undertaken after Ladakh attained Union Territory status had created fresh opportunities for tourism-led growth. He maintained that sustained support from the Union Government would further accelerate the region’s development trajectory.

The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena as Chief Guest, while His Eminence Chokyong Palga Rinpoche and Swami Saraswati were Guests of Honour. First Lady Sangita Saxena, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Sindhu Darshan Committee Chairman Dr. Indresh Kumar, senior officials of the Union Territory Administration and District Administration, along with thousands of devotees, were also present.

According to the organisers, the inaugural edition of the Sindhu Darshan Mahakumbh attracted more than 3,500 devotees from across India and abroad, besides ambassadors from Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Chile and Ireland, reflecting the festival’s expanding international participation.

In his address, Gyalson said the festival, centred on the Indus River, represented Ladakh’s spiritual legacy and cultural identity while creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans and the hospitality sector. He said such events could contribute to broadening the region’s tourism base beyond conventional seasonal travel.

Tracing the evolution of the festival, organisers said the Sindhu Darshan initiative was launched in 1997 by former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani and later expanded through coordinated efforts involving the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh.

Gyalson also reiterated Ladakh’s potential to emerge as a major pilgrimage destination, advocating the promotion of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Demchok and the development of a shorter Amarnath Yatra route via the Drass sector near Zojila. He said these initiatives could further strengthen tourism while generating sustained economic opportunities for local communities.