LG Kavinder Gupta chairs preparatory meeting for 1st Sindhu Mahakumbh 2026

• LG directs comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth and successful conduct of Mahakumbh
• Asks Administration to serve every Pilgrim with the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’

LEH, Feb 24: The upcoming Sindhu Mahakumbh 2026 in Leh is not merely an event, but a symbol of Ladakh’s capability, discipline, and cultural pride. It represents the collective spirit, organisational strength, and hospitality of the region while providing a platform to showcase Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage to the nation and the world. This landmark event will bring together thousands of devotees, dignitaries, and cultural troupes, reinforcing Ladakh’s status as a unique destination for spiritual, cultural, and tourism experiences.

This was stated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, while chairing a high-level preparatory meeting at Lok Niwas today to review and finalise arrangements for the First Sindhu Mahakumbh 2026, scheduled to be held on June 23–24 at the revered Sindhu Ghat.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra; Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues; Wildlife Warden Shri Mandeep Mittal; Director Tourism Shri Tsering Paldan; ADC Leh Shri Ghulam Mohd; SE PWD Shri Dorjay Gyatso; Assistant Director Tourism Leh Smt Padma Angmo; and members of the Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti including Shri Bhupinder Kansil (General Secretary), Shri Manoj Kumar Gogia (Vice President), and Shri Vikram Randhawa (MLA) from Jammu.

Shri Bhupinder Kansil informed the meeting that the Sindhu Darshan Festival has been organised by the Samiti since 1987. This year marks its 30th edition, which will be celebrated as the grand First Sindhu Mahakumbh. The event is expected to attract pilgrims from over 25 States and Union Territories across India, along with foreign ambassadors and dignitaries. The Samiti requested full support from the UT Administration for logistical coordination, arrangements for the North Zone Cultural Centre cultural troupe from Patiala, and other essential services to ensure the event is conducted smoothly.

Emphasising the timeless principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, Shri Kavinder Gupta urged the Administration to ensure that every pilgrim is welcomed with care, respect, and hospitality. He called for meticulous planning and coordinated efforts across departments to provide a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience for all visitors, reflecting Ladakh’s tradition of warmth and excellence in service.

He also assured that the UT Administration will provide full support to ensure that the event is seamless, comfortable, and memorable for all devotees and visitors. He stressed that all departments must prepare detailed, time-bound action plans covering logistics, security, medical services, and all aspects of visitor management, with regular progress review.

The Lt Governor directed that effective crowd management, traffic control, parking, and smooth movement of pilgrims be ensured. He emphasized that robust security arrangements must be in place, with police, administration, and other agencies working in close coordination, supported by a fully operational emergency response system. He instructed that the Health Department deploy adequate medical camps, ambulances, doctors, and disaster management resources to safeguard participants’ health. He stressed that sanitation, potable water, toilet facilities, lighting, and waste management be maintained at the highest standards, and that the event be organized in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

Shri Kavinder Gupta further instructed that the Sindhu Welfare Committee and the Administration coordinate cultural programmes, volunteer deployment, and devotee reception to ensure a positive and memorable experience. A Joint Control Room will facilitate real-time coordination among all departments, and strict accountability mechanisms will be enforced to address any lapses.

The Lieutenant Governor said “Our collective efforts should ensure that the Sindhu Mahakumbh is not only a grand spiritual gathering but also a showcase of Ladakh’s organisational capability, cultural pride, and commitment to excellence. It is our responsibility to make this event a safe, memorable, and exemplary occasion at the national level.”

Shri Kavinder Gupta reaffirmed that the Administration is committed to make the 1st Sindhu Mahakumbh 2026 a spiritually enriching, secure, and meticulously organised event that reflects Ladakh’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, and capacity for excellence in public administration.

The Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra announced the constitution of a committee under the Deputy Commissioner Leh for the successful conduct of the 1st Sindhu Mahakumbh 2026.