Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, May 8: On the third day of the Ladakh Smonlam Chhenmo, a grand religious procession was taken out from the Chowkhang Vihara today in which more than thousand Monks and Nuns drawn from various monasteries participated.
The procession was organized by Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) in collaboration with Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA). The procession carrying the statue of Gyalwa Chamba, the Maitreya Buddha or future Buddha known as “Chambay Dhandren” signifies the belief of future Buddha regime in the next universe.
The procession, comprising of spiritual Rinpoches, Monks and Nuns, reciting sacred mantras and prayers for world peace, passed through Leh market to finally culminate at the original place Chowkhang Vihara. The procession with traditional music DAMAN and SURNA were given warm reception at every place they passed through while the Moti Market Society provided them refreshment and snacks.
The procession was jointly led by Rigyal Rinpoche, Chokyong Palga Rinpoche and Tsamtul Rinpoche while president Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) Gelong Shatup Chamba and president Ladakh Buddhist Association Tsewang Thinlas, also took part in the procession.
Five- day Ladakh Smonlam Chhenmo is held annually to recite prayer for the world peace and prosperity and it was started by the Ladakh Gonpa Association in 1991.
President LGA Shatup Champa said, “We are this time organising the 26th Ladakh Monlam Chhenmo, the Great Prayer festival where more than 1200 monks and nuns from 16 major monasteries are attending the prayer and Men-Tsee-Khang. Tibetan Medical & Astro-science Institute, organised a medical camp as well on this occasion.
Rigyal Rinpoche opined that it must be a good sign that Ladakh started receiving snowfalls on the top of the mountains soon after the Great Prayer festival commenced in Leh. Chokyong Palga Rinpoche said that all schools of thoughts of Tibetan coming together to perform such prayers itself is a great thing. After continuing for another two days, the Great Prayer festival will conclude on May 10th.
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