Sindhu Darshan Festival in Ladakh
Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated to pay homage to mighty Indus (Sindhu) river and the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in guarding the international boundaries.
Sindhu Darshan Festival is a kaleidoscope to the vibrant culture of Ladakh. The festival is held annually every year in the month of June at Leh. Sindhu festival aims to highlight the rich culture of Ladakhi people and popularize the handicrafts of the hill town. For the first time the festival was celebrated in October, 1977. Seventy people from every corner of the country participated in the celebrations.
Significance of Sindhu Darshan
Sindhu Darshan festival is dedicated to mighty Sindhu river, enriching humankind for ages. It is one of the world’s longest river flowing through the barren land of Ladakh. The river is believed to be the symbol multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal peace and harmony co-existence in India. Sindhu Darshan is also symbolic salute to the soldiers who have sacrificed their life in guarding international borders of the country.
Celebrations of Sindhu Darshan Festival
Leh is jam packed with thousand of tourist, who visits the hill town to be a part of this grand celebrations. During the extravaganza devotees worship on the banks of mighty River Sindhu, which originates from the Mansarovar in Tibet. Sindhu Darshan festival aims to promote national integrity. It receives a warm welcome from many other renowned religious associations like Ladakh Buddhist Association, Shia Majilis, Hindu Trust, Sunni Anjumam, Christian Moravian Church and Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee. Apart from enjoying the grand festival, its also offers an excellent opportunity for the globetrotters to visit the amazing attractions of Leh-Ladhak.
A huge complex was setup in Leh, named as The Sindhu Cultural Centre. Foundation of the Centre was laid by the prime minister of India in the year 2000. The complex has an open air theater, an exhibition gallery, a small library and a music room. Auditorium in the centre of the complex can accommodate 500 people at a time. People attending the festival can also shop for exquisite Ladakh handicrafts available at the stalls within the premises. The centre was constructed to promote the tourism and captivate the attraction of travel buffs from every corner of the world.
