Leh: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta met prominent Buddhist spiritual leader Thiksey Rinpoche on Saturday to discuss the region’s development roadmap, officials said.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Thiksey Gustor festival at the historic Thiksey Monastery — a vibrant celebration that reflects Ladakh’s enduring spiritual and cultural heritage.
Accompanied by his wife, Bindu Gupta, the Lieutenant Governor attended the festival, renowned for its sacred masked dances (Chhams) and age-old monastic rituals symbolising the victory of good over evil, and conveying a universal message of peace, harmony and compassion.
“LG Gupta met His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche and received his blessings for lasting peace, prosperity and development in Ladakh,” an official said.
During his interaction with community members, Gupta highlighted Ladakh’s key developmental priorities — environmental conservation, preservation of cultural heritage, and empowerment of youth through education and innovation.
He said monastic festivals like Thiksey Gustor stand as living symbols of Ladakh’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, representing centuries-old traditions, beliefs, and social values.
“The vibrant culture of Ladakh, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, is a living tradition that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Festivals like Thiksey Gustor are not just spectacles but soulful expressions of our heritage and the timeless wisdom of our ancestors,” Gupta said.
Underscoring the vital role of monasteries in sustaining Ladakh’s identity, he noted 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 (non-violence), compassion, and moral discipline — guiding society toward harmony and self-awareness. Monasteries are the spiritual heartbeats of Ladakh, nurturing peace and collective consciousness,” the LG added.
The Thiksey Gustor festival draws devotees, pilgrims, and visitors from across Ladakh and beyond, offering an immersive spiritual experience through its captivating masked dances, intricate sand mandalas, and symbolic rituals — celebrating the eternal triumph of light over darkness.
