Birth anniversary of His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, and His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche was celebrated with great fervor on February 22 at Shey Naro Photang. 

The day was celebrated by the students of Druk Padma Karpo School (DPKS), Naropa Fellowship, with support from the Young Drukpa Association and the local community.

His Eminence Palga Rinpoche; His Eminence Khamptak Rinpoche, Jigmet Nawang Namgyal;
His Eminence, Khamptak Rinpoche Jigmet Stanzin Wangpo; His Eminence Gomchhen Tulku; Hemis Chakzot, Nawang Otsal; Chemday Chakzot Mipham Jigmet; Stakna Chakzod, Khanchen Tsewang Rigzin and the nuns of Druk Gawa Khil Tsunma took part in the celebration.

Naropa Fellows conducted a cleanliness drive near Sindhu Ghat, where they collected more than 100 sacks of garbage. The Druk Padma Karpo students also contributed by collecting trash in the area between the school campus and Shey Palace. This effort was a way for the Fellows and students to show gratitude towards the local community and to contribute to a sustainable future. The Municipal Committee Leh also showed their support by providing pick-up trucks for the garbage collector. 

The celebration started with His Holiness and His Eminence’s portrait proceeding ceremony to the main shrine and was followed by the Mandala and Larnga offerings. The DPKS students then led a prayer for the long life of His Holiness and His Eminence, and birthday cakes were cut. 

Hemis Chakzod, Nawang Otsal shared snippets of the life and work of His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, and His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche.

On this occasion, the Naropa Fellowship also launched their volunteering initiative in collaboration with the Live to Rescue animal shelter, and also set up a stall to collect donations for the same. 

The occasion concluded with a Singay Tsewa prayer in the evening.