The 86th birth anniversary of His Holiness Staktsang Raspa Ngawang Tenzin Chokyi Nyima was celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion across Ladakh on May 25.

A large number of devotees, monks, dignitaries and local residents gathered at different monasteries to participate in the celebrations and seek blessings on the auspicious occasion.

The occasion highlighted the spiritual contributions and teachings of His Holiness Ladakh Chosgon Staktsang Raspa and reflected the deep reverence and respect held for him across Ladakh.

Congratulating the 6th Ladakh Skyabgon Lama on his 86th birthday, Ven. Dorjay Stanzin said that long-life prayers and other Buddhist rituals were conducted at Hemis Monastery. He added that monasteries in different villages across Ladakh were also celebrating the birth anniversary of His Holiness.

“We pray for His Holiness’s long life and hope to receive an opportunity to seek his blessings in Ladakh one day,” said Ven. Dorjay Stanzin.

The Sixth Staktsang Raspa, Ngawang Tenzin Chokyi Nyima, was born in Central Tibet in 1941 and was brought to Hemis Monastery in 1945 for enthronement. After returning to Tibet in the 1950s, he was allowed to visit Ladakh for a brief period in the late 1980s following repeated appeals from the people of the region.

Some accounts mention that changing political circumstances later prevented his return to Ladakh.