Leh: On the auspicious 15th day of the holy month of Saga Dawa, celebrated as Buddha Purnima—commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha—and coinciding with the spiritually significant (Lhaza) known as Lhakkar, a grand religious and cultural celebration titled Darchen Kujeng was held at Dechok Lhari Karmo, popularly revered as Chota Kailash, in Demjok, a sacred border village in the Changthang region of Ladakh near the Indo-Tibet frontier.
This spiritually momentous event was jointly organized by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, in collaboration with Ladakh Ngari Tsogspa, local villagers, Tibetan residents of Demjok, Koyul, and Dungti, the Indian Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
The event brought together hundreds of devotees, dignitaries, monks, and cultural groups in a collective expression of reverence for the shared Indo-Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
The program commenced with the traditional ceremonial reception of the Chief Guest, His Eminence Skyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, followed by the hoisting of the Indian National Flag and singing of the national anthem, reaffirming patriotic unity and national pride.
The spiritual proceedings began with the offering of Skusum Mandal, Riwo Sangchod smoke purification prayers, and the erection of the Central Darchen and prayer flags. A key spiritual highlight was the erection of 90 Darchens—symbolic prayer poles—dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who will be turning 90 years old on 6th July 2025.
In parallel, 630 tree saplings were planted in honour of the 63rd birth anniversary of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche, symbolizing compassion, longevity, and ecological balance.
The spiritually charged Rabnas Prayer Ceremony reverberated with the energetic chanting of “Kiki Soso Lhargyal Lo!”, invoking blessings and victory for the Dharma.
Beginning at 11:30 AM, the cultural session was inaugurated with welcome remarks by Sh. Ishey Spalzang, Councillor, LAHDC Leh. It featured traditional dances, musical presentations, and addresses from esteemed speakers including Kunga Thinley, President, Central Ngari Chithun Association, Brig. Shishar Bhardwaj, HQ 15th Sector, Rashtriya Rifles, Indian Army, Ven. Lama Acharya Ishey Phuntsok, Former President, Central Ngari Chithun Association and some other important dignitaries.
His Eminence Skyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, in his keynote, reflected on the spiritual and historical ties between Ladakh and Tibet, acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche in promoting peace, compassion, and spiritual practice in Ladakh.
He urged the community to preserve and purify the sacred land of Demjok, which is home to powerful holy sites such as Dechok Khorlo Dompa (Chakrasamvara Mandala) and other divine manifestations.
Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Hon’ble Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, emphasized the need to elevate this event into a mega annual celebration of Buddha Purnima in the Changthang region.
He also spoke about the transformation of border villages like Demjok under the Vibrant Villages Programme launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He highlighted recent developmental milestones in Changthang, including Expansion of mobile and digital connectivity, Solar energy initiatives for remote hamlets, Strengthening of border infrastructure and road networks and Enhanced support for nomadic communities and livestock-based livelihoods.
Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Former Member of Parliament (17th Lok Sabha), underlined the spiritual significance of Demjok, located barely 250 km aerial distance from Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.
He reiterated the religious importance of Mount Kailash—venerated in Buddhism as the abode of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), in Hinduism as the seat of Lord Shiva, and in Jainism as the site of Rishabhdev’s liberation.
He made a strong appeal for opening the Bharat-Kailash pilgrimage route via Demjok, both to revive spiritual connectivity and to strengthen India’s cultural and strategic outreach.
He also underscored the strategic value of Demjok and adjacent Changthang areas in enhancing border presence, cultural diplomacy, and national security.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the local Komnyer (village representative), followed by a community lunch and the traditional Lhakkar Thabston—a lively showcase of Changthang’s cultural dances, music, and folk traditions.
The Darchen Kujeng 2025 celebration was a profound manifestation of Ladakh’s living Buddhist heritage, honoring sacred traditions, strengthening spiritual bonds with Tibet, and reinforcing the spirit of national unity, ecological responsibility, and border development. It stands as a beacon of hope and faith in preserving the unique identity and sanctity of the trans-Himalayan region.
