Jaigaon: Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, attended the formal enthronement ceremony of the 44th Sakya Gongma Trizin, Kyabgon Khöndung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, held at Sakya Thegchen Phuntsokling Temple in Jaigaon.

The ceremony commenced at 9 a.m., presided over by Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche, in the presence of eminent lamas and distinguished guests. It began with the lighting of butter lamps, symbolising the dispelling of darkness.

The Organising Committee for the Enthronement Ceremony delivered the welcome address, followed by a congratulatory address from the monastic community, accompanied by celebratory songs in Sanskrit. Gyalyum Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo then delivered her address virtually. After Kyabje Khöndung Manju Vajra Rinpoch’s speech, a group of nuns from Spiti performed a song of praise in honour of the former Jetsun.

After the traditional serving of auspicious tea and sweet rice (dresil), a video presentation featuring a message from the Governor of West Bengal, Shri Ravindra Narayan Ravi, was screened. The local District Magistrate subsequently read out a message from the state government, followed by an address from the 43rd Sakya Trizin, Kyabgon Gyana Vajra Rinpoche. At the conclusion of his address, the seal of the Sakya Trizin was formally presented to the newly enthroned 44th Sakya Trizin, Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche.

Tibetan singer Nyima Tsering then performed a celebratory song of praise, after which the 44th Sakya Trizin, Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, delivered his address. Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi subsequently read out the Kashag’s congratulatory message, followed by the message from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, delivered by its Deputy Speaker, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel.

Dr. Anirban Ganguly then conveyed the message of the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Suvendu Adhikari. This was followed by teachings bestowed by Kyabje Sakya Trizin, the Great Vajradhara. Lobsang Jinpa, Secretary of the Ganden Phodrang, thereafter read out the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The official enthronement ceremony of the 44th Sakya Throne Holder, Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, concluded successfully.