JIGMET DADUL
LEH: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) Leh organised a daylong seminar to discuss the concern about few takers of ‘Onpo’ (Astrology with performing rituals) in Leh. Twelve Onpos from Leh district participated in the seminar.
Tsering Chosphel, Editor Culture Academy Leh in his welcome speech thanked the Onpos for preserving the traditional practice of Onpo. Tsering expressed his concern about the fact that there are only eight people left in Leh who devote their time and attention in preserving this traditional ritual. He elaborated that earlier, the Onpo was very popular among people for removing evil spirits and devils besides satiating the desire to know about the future.
A well known Onpo Tsewang Punchok expressed his concern on people losing interest in Onpo practice in Leh. He said that there are very few people left who are by inheritance (legacy) practicing Onpo. “The trend is discouraging that the new generation has no interest in this noble profession”, he rued. Another renowned Onpo Thustan Shanfan informed that the Onpos used to enjoy a well dignified status in the society during the reign of kings. He added that the then Onpos were exempted from many strict rules of kings and even they used to be paid for performing rituals during births, deaths, marriages and for curing diseases.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Officer for Culture Academy Leh Tsewang Paljor said that the main purpose of organising this seminar was to create a platform for discussion and interaction between the seniors and new Onpos. He informed that it will be a great loss to Ladakhi Society if the Onpo practice becomes obsolete and vanish. He urged the administration to give recognition to Onpos and said that policy makers must give special attention to preserve Onpo practice in Leh. He expressed dissatisfaction that LAHDC Leh has no provision for preservation of Art and Culture in their Councillor Constituency Development Fund (CCDF).
During the programme, the senior Onpos gave demonstration on how the rituals are performed. An open discussion followed by question and answer session was also held.
