Ngari Dharchen which literally translates to hoisting of the great Ngari prayer pole flag is an important event in Ngari. Every year thousands of people from all over Tibet and from neighboring countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, China among others flock to Mt. Kailash during the holiest month of Tibetan Calander of Sakadawa. (the 4th month of Tibetan calendar). It is during this month, the great Ngari prayer flag is hoisted at Sershong Thang (Yellow meadowland) in front of the Mt. Kailash.
The history of hoisting this great prayer flag dates back to the 17th century during the reign of the great fifth Dalai Lama. In 1681 A.D; a military campaign headed by general Gadhen Tsewang was dispatched by the 5th Dalai Lama to crush Ladhaki military who took siege of a vast chunk of Nagri territory. The Tibetan military successfully accomplished its mission in defeating and chasing the opponent force back to Ladhak. Thereafter, general Gadhen Tsewang hoisted the great prayer flag on the 15th day of 4th month of Tibetan calendar in 1681 A.D. as a symbol and celebration of Tibet’s military victory.
Since then, the tradition of hoisting the great prayer flag has been ongoing until the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. The Chinese Communist Party disbanded religious affairs throughout Tibet after its invasion and thereafter the tradition of hoisting the flag could not occur for 27 years. Finally, in 1985 when Chinese Communist party opened a little window for religious affairs, around 30 Tibetans from Ngari, Tibet travelled to Bhod-Gaya in India and met with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. During the meeting, it was expressed to the Dalai Lama of their intention to revive the hoisting of the great prayer flag. The Dalai Lama then offered them with auspicious items and five colored scarves as a blessing and gesture of resumption of the tradition.
In 1986, the tradition was revived inside Tibet and since then, the hoisting of the great Nagri Darchen has been ongoing all over the world where there is a Regional Ngari chapter. Toe Ngari Kor Sum of New York and New Jersey commemorates this tradition every year during the same time at Karma Thegsum Choling located at Shamong township, New Jersey. Everyone irrespective of their race, religion, or gender is welcomed during this event.