‘One India, Great India’: Sindhu Darshan Festival 2026 Celebrated with Patriotic Fervour in Leh
Leh, June 6: The sacred banks of the Sindhu River reverberated with patriotic fervour, cultural vibrancy and spiritual devotion as the Sindhu Darshan Festival 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Sindhu Ghat in Leh on Friday.
Organised by the Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha, Leh, u
nder the theme “One India, Great India,” the festival brought together devotees, dignitaries and delegations from different parts of the country, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted civilizational heritage.
Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, attended the event as the Chief Guest and joined participants in celebrating the sacred river that has long been regarded as a symbol of India’s ancient civilization and national identity.
The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a series of cultural performances, patriotic songs and presentations reflecting the spirit of national integration and unity in diversity. Participants from various regions of India added colour and vibrancy to the celebrations, highlighting the country’s rich cultural mosaic.
Addressing the gathering, Ashish Kundra described the Sindhu River as one of the world’s oldest civilizational rivers and a timeless symbol of India’s cultural heritage. He welcomed visiting delegations from across the country and appreciated their participation despite the challenges of travelling to the high-altitude region of Ladakh.
Sharing his personal reflections on the river, Kundra said the Sindhu continues to inspire a profound sense of belonging among people from different regions and backgrounds. He noted that the river and the surrounding landscape offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality and historical significance.
He also highlighted Ladakh’s unique social fabric and praised the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious and cultural communities in the region. Commending the resilience of Ladakh’s people, he said the Union Territory continues to play an important role in preserving India’s civilizational and cultural legacy.
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of safeguarding India’s cultural heritage and encouraged younger generations to visit Sindhu Ghat and connect with the country’s rich history and spiritual traditions.
Among those present were Virendra Ghanshyamdas Kukreja from Nagpur, representatives of Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha, religious leaders, social workers, community representatives and delegations from different states. The event was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Leh, Padma Shri awardee R. Padma Gurmet, the Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa and several eminent guests.
The festival concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen the ideals of national unity, cultural harmony and integration, reaffirming the enduring bond between the people of India and the sacred Sindhu River.
