LEH, August 3, 2025 : His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the historic Chowkhang Vihara monastery in Leh, marking a spiritually significant moment for Ladakh.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of religious leaders, dignitaries, and community members. The Dalai Lama was warmly received by Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) president Chering Dorjay Lakruk, accompanied by traditional Ladakhi music and ceremonial offerings of khattaks (silk scarves).
“Let this not be a place for only ritual prayers and idle chatter, but a centre for deep study and debate on Buddhist philosophy—a wellspring of wisdom for generations,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said after laying the foundation stone.
LBA president Lakruk hailed the occasion as a historic blessing for Ladakh. “We had requested His Holiness to attend nearly three months ago. Today, the whole region feels the touch of auspicious winds,” he said.
Originally built in 1957, the Chowkhang Vihara had sustained structural damage due to flooding and was deemed in need of complete reconstruction.
The Dalai Lama arrived in Leh on July 12 for a month-long spiritual tour across Ladakh, continuing his longstanding engagement with the region and its people.
