Meets Thiksey Rinpoche; discusses Ladakh’s development roadmap
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday attended the annual Thiksey Gustor Festival at the historic Thiksey Monastery, a vibrant celebration that upholds Ladakh’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage.
The Thiksey Gustor, renowned for its sacred masked dances (Chhams) and ancient monastic rituals, symbolises the victory of good over evil and spreads a universal message of peace, harmony, and compassion.
In his address, the Lt Governor observed that monastic festivals like Thiksey Gustor are living testaments to Ladakh’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, embodying centuries-old traditions, beliefs, and social values.
“The vibrant culture of Ladakh, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, is a living tradition that touches every visitor to this land. Festivals like Thiksey Gustor are not mere spectacles-they are soulful expressions of our heritage and the enduring wisdom of our ancestors,” the Lt Governor said.
He further underlined the pivotal role of monasteries in sustaining Ladakh’s identity, noting that they serve as centres of faith, education, and community life. “Monks not only embody but also impart the teachings of Lord Buddha-of ahimsa, compassion, and moral discipline-guiding society toward harmony and self-awareness. Monasteries are the spiritual heartbeats of Ladakh, nurturing peace and collective consciousness,” he added.
During the ceremony, the Lt Governor met His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche and received his blessings for lasting peace, prosperity, and development in Ladakh. He was accompanied by First Lady Bindu Gupta.
The Lt Governor also interacted with community members and spoke about Ladakh’s developmental priorities, emphasising environmental preservation, safeguarding of cultural heritage, and empowering the youth through education and innovation.
The Thiksey Gustor Festival continues to attract devotees, pilgrims, and visitors from across the region and beyond, offering an immersive spiritual experience through its mesmerising mask dances, intricate sand mandalas, and profound symbolic rituals-celebrating the eternal triumph of light over darkness.