Lauds Matho Monastery’s head lamas, management for preserving sacred traditions with dedication
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, attended the historic Matho Nagrang Festival at Matho Monastery on Tuesday. He was warmly received by former Member of Parliament from Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal along with the venerable monks of the monastery.
In his address, the Lt. Governor described the Matho Nagrang Festival as one of Ladakh’s most significant cultural and spiritual events. He highlighted that the 500-year-old tradition, rooted in the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, stands as a powerful symbol of Ladakh’s rich civilisational heritage. The festival, he noted, draws not only local devotees but also scholars, researchers, and tourists from across the world, underscoring its global cultural relevance.
The Lt. Governor elaborated on the unique Nagrang tradition, wherein two monk oracles, after undergoing a year of intense spiritual discipline and solitary meditation, perform sacred masked dances and deliver divine prophecies. He termed this rare spiritual practice unparalleled and a matter of immense pride for the people of Ladakh. Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to preserving Ladakh’s heritage, Kavinder Gupta emphasized that monasteries, folk traditions, indigenous languages, and ancient festivals represent the living soul of the region. He informed that efforts are underway to document intangible cultural heritage, extend support to local artists, and promote sustainable tourism by integrating traditional festivals.
Addressing the youth, he urged them to become torchbearers of Ladakh’s cultural legacy, embracing modern progress while remaining rooted in their traditions and identity.
The Lt. Governor expressed gratitude to the head lamas and management of Matho Monastery for preserving this sacred tradition and sought blessings for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of Ladakh and the nation.
