Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, June 12: In a spiritually charged celebration marking Buddha Purnima-the auspicious 15th day of the holy month of Saga Dawa-a grand religious and cultural event titled Darchen Kujeng 2025 was held at Dechok Lhari Karmo, popularly known as Chota Kailash, in the sacred border village of Demjok in Ladakh’s Changthang region.
The occasion, which also coincided with Lhakkar (Wednesday), a spiritually significant day in Tibetan Buddhism, drew hundreds of monks, devotees, villagers, and dignitaries from across Ladakh and neighbouring Tibetan communities. The event was jointly organized by LAHDC Leh, Ladakh Ngari Tsogspa, local villagers, Tibetan residents of Demjok, Koyul and Dungti, along with the Indian Army and ITBP.
Skyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche graced the occasion as chief guest. The spiritual proceedings included Skusum Mandal offerings, Riwo Sangchod smoke purification, and the ritual erection of the Central Darchen along with 90 prayer poles (Darchens) dedicated to the long life of the 14th Dalai Lama, ahead of his 90th birthday in July 2025. In a parallel environmental gesture, 630 tree saplings were planted to mark the 63rd birth anniversary of Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche.
The Rabnas prayer ceremony reverberated with the sacred chant “Kiki Soso Lhargyal Lo!”. The cultural session, inaugurated by LAHDC Councillor Ishey Spalzang, featured vibrant performances of traditional dances and music, alongside speeches by notable figures including Kunga Thinley, Brig Shishar Bhardwaj of HQ 15th Sector Rashtriya Rifles, and Ven Lama Acharya Ishey Phuntsok.
In his keynote, Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche stressed the preservation of Demjok’s sacred geography-home to revered sites such as Dechok Khorlo Dompa (Chakrasamvara Mandala).
Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, advocated institutionalizing the event as an annual mega celebration of Buddha Purnima in the Changthang region.
Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal emphasized Demjok’s spiritual proximity-just 250 km aerial distance-from Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. He strongly advocated reopening the Bharat-Kailash pilgrimage route via Demjok.
The event concluded with a community lunch and the Lhakkar Thabston-a vibrant showcase of Changthang’s unique cultural traditions.
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