Dharamshala: Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, attended the offering of long-life prayers to Kochhen Rinpoche at Ogyen Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town, Dehradun on 12 December 2024. 

The long-life prayers were offered by the members of exile Tibetans from Gonjo, a region in Dokham. 

At 8:00 a.m., the reverent lamas and distinguished guests, accompanied by a procession of monks, escorted Kochhen Rinpoche from his residence to the courtyard in front of the temple. As Rinpoche was seated on the throne, the ceremony began with prayers.

Thereafter, Gonjo Long-life Offering Committee offered Rinpoche with mandala and three sacred jewels: the representations of Buddha’s body, speech, and mind, followed by offerings from reverent lamas, Khenpos, and representatives of monasteries and Tibetan civil societies.

Upon the completion of the long-life prayer ceremony, a gold medal was bestowed in recognition of Rinpoche’s sacred religious contributions and his unwavering benevolence towards all sentient beings.

Later in the evening, cultural performances were performed as a mark of celebration. 

The offering was also attended by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Kalon Dolma Gyari, and Parliamentarians Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen, Ven Tenpa Yarphel, Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam, and Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende. Dehradun Tibetan Settlement Officer Dhondup Gyalpo, former Tibetan Parliamentarian Gyari Bhutruk, and representatives of various monasteries and Tibetan NGOs.