Dharamshala, June 8 – The Tibetan government in exile and its people today offered a longlife prayer ceremony to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as His Holiness turns 70 this July. The longlife offering is the first event in the list of programmes lined up for the celebrations of the 70th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
His Eminence Sakya Trizin, the head of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, convened the ceremony. Gaden Tripa, Gyalwa Karmapa, Penor Rinpoche, Menri Trizin, Drikung Kyabgon and Taklung Shabgon were present on the occasion. The ceremony which lasted for almost four hours was attended by Chief Justice Commissioner Namgyal Tsering and the two Justice Commissioners, Mr. Pema Jungney, the Chairman of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche and his colleagues in the Kashag, officials of the Tibetan exile government, representatives of the non-governmental organisations, schools and institutions.
His Eminence Sakya Trizin recited the mandala citation as the Kalon Tripa and the ATPD Chairman held the mandala offering. The Tibetan exile government had planned a year long celebration and dedication on His Holiness’ turning 70 this year. A committee has been set up by the Kashag to organise and arrange the programmes for the celebrations.
The Tibetan communities, Schools, institutes and other learning centres have been sent circulars by the exile government instructing them to organise events and programmes.
The offices of the Tibetan exile government remained closed for the morning session.
