Dalai Lama Honored with Long Life Prayer Ceremony in Dharamshala
In a significant spiritual gathering, the 14th Dalai Lama attended a long life prayer ceremony at the main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, on Monday. The event was organized by former Tibetan political prisoners from various nations and the Lhasa Boys Association based in Switzerland, drawing a diverse crowd of thousands.
Ceremony Highlights and Community Participation
The ceremony saw extensive participation from members of the Tibetan community, monks, international visitors, and representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Former political prisoners residing in 15 countries, along with monks, collectively presented a commemorative 'thangka'—a sacred scroll painting—and made various traditional offerings to the Dalai Lama, who is set to celebrate his 91st birthday on July 6 this year.
During the event, Thupten Yarphel, a Buddhist monk, delivered a poignant address, stating, "Evil forces of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have caused so much suffering to the Tibetan people, and we are still suffering under a communist regime. We are in a dire situation of losing our own culture and language. We lost all our freedom inside our own land and are forced to leave our country." This speech underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the Tibetan diaspora in preserving their heritage.
Commemorative Events and Mourning Ceremonies
Prior to this ceremony, on Sunday, an event was held in McLeodganj to mark the 86th anniversary of the enthronement of the Dalai Lama. Additionally, the leadership and staff of the CTA observed a prayer ceremony to mourn the passing of the Dalai Lama's younger brother, Tenzin Choegyal, widely known as Ngari Rinpoche. He passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 80.
During the mourning ceremony, 'Sikyong' (political head) Penpa Tsering expressed his condolences for Ngari Rinpoche's demise. He explained that the prayer service was delayed because CTA staff were on official 'Losar' holiday at the time of his death. 'Sikyong' also noted that the speaker and deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile were unable to attend, and he called upon all present to offer their solemn prayers.
Life and Legacy of Ngari Rinpoche
Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal was born in 1946 in Lhasa, Tibet. In 1950, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 15th Ngari Rinpoche and enrolled in Drepung Monastery. In 1959, he accompanied the 14th Dalai Lama into exile in India. He studied at St Joseph's College in Darjeeling until 1969 and continued further studies in India and abroad for two more years.
His contributions extended to serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dalai Lama Trust from 2007 to 2016 and of the Gaden Phodrang Trust of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from 2011 to 2016, highlighting his dedication to Tibetan spiritual and administrative affairs.
