Tsewang Rigzin
LEH, Mar 13: Ladakh, renowned for its communal harmony, once again displays the beautiful gesture of brotherhood and mutual respect during the ongoing Buddhist holy month of Tangpo. This tradition of interfaith solidarity, where Muslims and Buddhists extend warmth and hospitality to each other, remains a hallmark of the region’s cultural ethos.
On Thursday, as hundreds of Buddhist devotees performed the Gochak prostration – a sacred practice observed particularly during the holy month of Tangpo, through Leh’s main market – the Youth Wing of Anjuman Imamia organised refreshments for the devotees. This simple yet meaningful gesture is part of a good old tradition where Muslims of Ladakh, both Shia and Sunni, offer refreshments to Buddhist devotees during Tangpo. While, during Eid after the holy month of Ramadan, Buddhist community offers refreshments and traditional khataks, the sacred white scarf, to Muslim devotees.
A shining example of this spirit is the Reli family from Leh, which has been hosting refreshments for Buddhist devotees performing the Gochak prostration for over a decade. Hanifa Reli initiated this gesture, with the aim to strengthen communal harmony and foster brotherhood – values that Ladakh is known for.
The first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, known as Tangpo, is considered one of the holiest months by the Buddhist population across Ladakh. Throughout this month, particularly from 1st to 15th, thousands of devotees participate in the Gochak prostration, as they circumambulate holy sites such as stupas and monasteries in a clockwise direction.
The devotion and participation in Gochak cut across all sections of society, with people from all walks of life, including children and the elderly, taking part. Processions are organized at village levels, and the entire atmosphere takes on a spiritual fervor.
During Tangpo, monastic institutions and religious sites across Ladakh are illuminated with the soft glow of butter lamps, especially from the 1st to the 15th of the month. Many devotees observe a period of abstinence, refraining from non-vegetarian food and intoxicants like alcohol, and dedicate themselves to wholesome actions and spiritual practices. Fasting is also commonly observed on there auspicious days.
This interfaith exchange, rooted in respect and shared traditions, remains a powerful testament to the communal harmony that defines Ladakh. As both communities come together in celebration and support of one another’s faith, they continue to set an example of unity in religious diversity.
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