Sacred waters from 156 countries merged with Indus becoming global symbol of unity
Leh: Marking a historic milestone in India’s civilisational journey, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Tuesday inaugurated the Pratham Sindhu Kumbh 2026 at the sacred Sindhu Ghat in Leh, calling for a harmonious blend of spirituality, sustainability and national unity. The event coincides with the 30th edition of the Sindhu Darshan Yatra, which will continue till June 27.
Thousands of devotees, spiritual leaders, scholars, cultural representatives and international dignitaries gathered on the banks of the revered Indus River to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage under the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” The inaugural ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, along with ambassadors and high commissioners from eight countries, including Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Chile and Ireland, reflecting the growing global significance of the event.
The event was attended by several eminent personalities, including former Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, His Eminence Palga Rinpoche, Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, renowned spiritual leader Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Dr. Indresh Kumar, and other distinguished guests.
The celebrations commenced with a grand Kalash Yatra, during which devotees carried sacred waters from different parts of India and ceremonially offered them to the Sindhu River, symbolising national integration and the spiritual bond uniting diverse cultures and traditions. In a unique gesture underscoring the universal appeal of the Sindhu civilisation, water collected from water bodies in 156 countries was also immersed in the sacred river by the Lieutenant Governor.
Addressing the gathering, LG Saxena described the Sindhu as one of the oldest rivers known to humanity and the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilisation. He noted that the very name “India” is derived from “Sindhu”, highlighting the river’s profound place in the nation’s identity and collective consciousness.
Recalling the origins of the Sindhu Darshan initiative launched in 1997, he said it was conceived to revive and strengthen the cultural and spiritual bond between the people of India and the iconic river. Over the years, it has evolved into the Sindhu Kumbh with wider participation and richer cultural expressions.
Calling the event a living manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said the Sindhu Kumbh serves as a platform where India’s many languages, customs and traditions converge in celebration of a shared civilisational heritage.
Emphasising the ecological significance of the Indus River, LG Saxena stressed that spirituality must go hand in hand with sustainability. He warned that climate change and environmental degradation pose increasing threats to Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem and urged people to regard rivers as living entities deserving respect and protection.
He highlighted Ladakh’s emergence as a hub of sustainable tourism and spiritual heritage and said events like the Sindhu Kumbh contribute to local economies, showcase Ladakhi culture and enhance the region’s global visibility. Envisioning a larger role for the congregation, he said the Sindhu Kumbh has the potential to evolve into a globally recognised spiritual gathering comparable to the world’s great congregations of faith and become a vibrant platform for intercultural dialogue.
Reaffirming the UT Administration’s commitment to ecologically sensitive development, the Lieutenant Governor urged governments, local communities and cultural institutions to work together to make the Sindhu Kumbh a model of inclusivity and responsible celebration. He also appealed to visitors to maintain the sanctity of the sacred river and comply with Ladakh’s recently imposed ban on single-use plastics and littering.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijender Gupta said the Sindhu Darshan Yatra has emerged as a powerful symbol of emotional and cultural unity among Indians. Spiritual leaders participating in the event highlighted the timeless values of peace, harmony, mutual respect and coexistence embodied by the Sindhu civilisation.
The five-day Pratham Sindhu Kumbh is expected to attract thousands of devotees, tourists, scholars and cultural representatives from India and abroad, reaffirming the sacred Indus River’s enduring role as a symbol of India’s ancient heritage, unity and collective spirit.
