Lt. Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta attends Matho Nagrang Festival in Leh

• Reaffirms UT Administration’s commitment to cultural preservation
• Urges youth to uphold Ladakh’s cultural legacy while embracing modernity

Leh, March 3: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today attended the historic Matho Nagrang Festival at Matho Monastery, Leh. He was accorded a warm welcome by former Member of Parliament from Ladakh Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal along with venerable monks of Matho Monastery.

In his message, the Lt. Governor described the Matho Nagrang Festival as one of Ladakh’s most significant cultural and spiritual events. He noted that this 500-year-old tradition, rooted in the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Ladakh’s rich civilisational heritage. He observed that the festival attracts not only local communities but also researchers, scholars, and tourists from across the globe, underlining its importance as a treasure of universal cultural significance.

The Lt. Governor highlighted the unique tradition of the Nagrang — two monk oracles who, after a year of rigorous spiritual practice and solitary meditation, perform sacred masked dances and deliver divine prophecies during the festival. He described this tradition as unparalleled in the world and a matter of immense pride for every Ladakhi.

Shri Kavinder Gupta reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the preservation and promotion of Ladakh’s cultural heritage. He stated that monasteries, folk arts, indigenous languages, and age-old festivals are the living soul of Ladakh and must be safeguarded for future generations. He informed that the Administration is actively working towards documentation of intangible cultural heritage, support to local artists, and integration of traditional festivals into sustainable tourism.

In a special appeal to the youth of Ladakh, the Lt. Governor urged them to become proud torchbearers of their cultural legacy. He called upon them to embrace modernity while remaining firmly rooted in their traditions, language, and cultural identity.

The Lt. Governor expressed heartfelt gratitude to the head lamas and management of Matho Monastery for keeping this sacred tradition alive with unwavering devotion and dedication year after year. He also sought blessings from the oracles for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Ladakh and the entire nation.

Among those present were DGP Ladakh Shri Mukesh Singh, former Member of Parliament Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Administrative Secretaries- Bhupesh Chaudhary and Shashanka Ala, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, SSP Leh Shree Raam, Nambardar Matho and representatives from other religious and