Jaigaon, West Bengal: Kalon (Minister) Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, attended a long-life prayer offering ceremony for the throne holders of the Sakya Khon family, led by Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, and visited Evam Namchak Monastery in West Bengal on 30 October 2026.

The main long-life prayer ceremony commenced at 9 a.m. Following the arrival and seating of the revered Lamas, auspicious tea and sweet rice were offered. This was followed by the recitation of the “Five Perfections” and mandala verses by Kyabgon Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche.

Thereafter, Khondung Jamyang Kunga Thubten Jigme Rinpoche presented the representations of the Buddha’s body, speech and mind. This was followed by long-life offerings from Phuntsok Phodrang and members of the public. The Kalon subsequently presented offerings, comprising ceremonial scarves and monetary offerings in envelopes, to each of the three Gongmas (throne holders).

Khondung Asanga Vajra Sakya Rinpoche then offered a mandala of thanksgiving. This was followed by the presentation of the Seven Royal Possessions by Khondung Manjushri Vajra Rinpoche, Khondung Ananda Vajra Rinpoche, Khondung Mati Vajra Rinpoche, Khondung Jaya Vajra Rinpoche and Khondung Sadhu Vajra Rinpoche.

Subsequently, Kyabgon Khondung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, Khondung Jamyang Kunga Thubten Jigme Rinpoche and Khondung Asanga Vajra Sakya Rinpoche presented the Eight Auspicious Signs, bringing the long-life prayer ceremony to a close.

Following the ceremony, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi visited Evam Namchak Monastery near Salugara, where he met with the monastery’s administrators and officials. During the meeting, discussions centred on the rules and compliance requirements under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The Kalon also introduced two ongoing initiatives of the Department of Religion and Culture: the Tibet Digital Library and the Neykor App.