A grand spiritual gathering that happens once in 12 years and is referred to as the “Kumbh Mela of the Himalayas” has begun in Ladakh’s biggest monastery, Hemis, to commemorate the millennial birth anniversary of the scholar saint Naropa.
The month-long mega congregation, also known as Naropa festival, started with spiritual leader Gyalwang Drukpa’s grand welcome. Drukpa is the spiritual head of the Buddhist Drukpa Lineage based in the Himalayas.
Revered as the reincarnation of Naropa, Drukpa leader donned the six bone secret ornaments of the scholar-saint at the Naro palace to grant the Grand Chakrasamvara Empowerment.
Discussing the importance of the six ornaments which includes crown, earrings, necklace, seralkha, bangle and anklet, the chairperson of the organising committee, Thuksey Rinpoche said, “It represents the inner spirituality developed qualities.”
This week-long festivity stands strong and firm on the two main concrete pillars of His Holiness’ message, vision and goal of eco-friendly way of living, gender equality and woman empowerment.
