Jaigaon, West Bengal: The incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture, Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, attended the enthronement ceremony of Khondung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche as the 44th Sakya Trizin on behalf of the 17th Kashag on 5 November 2026.
At around 8:40 a.m., Kyabgon Khondung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche was ceremoniously welcomed to Sakya Thekchen Phuntsok Ling Monastery with a grand procession, with an atmosphere filled with incense aroma.
Thereafter, the 44th Sakya Trizin, Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, made an offering of a mandala and the three auspicious representations of Buddha’s body, speech, and mind to Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche, the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, and the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche. Following this, Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche took his seat on the golden throne of the 44th Sakya Trizin, in accordance with religious tradition. A long-life offering was then made to Rinpoche.
Khondung Jamyang Kunga Thubten Jigme Rinpoche gave an explanation of the Five Perfections and the mandala offering. Subsequently, Khondung Asanga Vajra Sakya Rinpoche offered auspicious representations of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind.
Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, representing His Majesty the King of Bhutan, made the mandala offering, followed by offerings by the other distinguished guests.
Thereafter, Kyabje Thartse Rinpoche offered the meal-blessing prayers, followed by Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, who offered the thanksgiving mandala. The 26th Kyabje Chogye Tripa Rinpoche then offered the Seven Royal Possessions, while the 27th Kyabje Chogye Tripa Rinpoche offered the Eight Auspicious Symbols.
With these offerings, the enthronement ceremony of the 44th Sakya Trizin, Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, was successfully concluded.
At 3:00 p.m., Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche bestowed a Dharma teaching on Sakya Pandita’s Thubpa Gongsal (Clarifying the Sage’s Intent). The Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture also attended the teaching.
