The 37th successor of Drikung Kagyu Lineage will be arriving in Leh on May 27
SRINAGAR: The people and government of Ladakh are working on a visit of Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, the 37th successor of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage and the 7th reincarnation of the Chetsang Rinpoche (manifestation of Avalokiteshvara) to the region in the last week of May.
“The His Holiness will be accorded the highest honours in the Tibetan and Ladakhi tradition when he arrives in Leh on May 27,” a spokesman of the reception committee told this newspaper over the phone. Born in Lhasa (Tibet) in 1946, Chetsang is the current Drikung Kyabgon or the head of the Drikung order.
Tashi Gyalson, the head of the Ladakh Hill Development Council (Leh), visited Tar-Thang, Lamayuru, and Wanla villages of Khaltsi sub-division of Ladakh at the weekend to review the preparations ahead of the Chetsang’s visit to Ladakh, and the five-day Drikung Snake Year Teachings scheduled to be held at Lamayuru Photang from May 27 to 31. He was accompanied by local councillors Lobzang Sherab, Morup Dorjey and Konchok Tsepal.
Mr. Gyalson said that thousands of devotees and tourists are expected to visit these areas during Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang’s stay. He said that the teachings are being held after a gap of twelve years, hence the monks expressed hope for full support from all departments to ensure smooth and well-coordinated arrangements.
He assured them that all possible efforts are being made “to ensure necessary facilities are in place ahead of the event”. Emphasising the significance of the occasion for the region, he directed all departments to work in close coordination to meet the logistical requirements of this large-scale spiritual gathering.
A handout issued by Mr. Gyalson’s office said, “The visit, which is expected to witness large gatherings, includes significant stopovers and short visits across various locations including Phyang, Lingshed, Durbuk, Shachukul, Chushul, Skindiang, Kargyam Satho, Bodhkharbu, Humla and others, the chairman stressed on timely execution of all required works, with special focus on road connectivity, cleanliness and infrastructure readiness, particularly at Singay-la and Tulchung”.
“This visit holds deep spiritual and cultural value for the people of Ladakh and I call upon all departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination to ensure the success of the event,” the statement quoted him as saying.
