Dharamshala, 18 February 2026: On the first day of the first month of the Tibetan Year 2153, the Year of the Fire Horse, the inaugural Khenmo enthronement ceremony was held at Palyul Nyingma Shugsep Ogyen Dzong Nunnery. The Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, Dhondul Dorjee, attended the ceremony upon invitation, alongside Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel from the Central Tibetan Administration.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the butter lamp by the Chief Guest, Khenchen Padma Sherab Rinpoche. This was followed by a brief overview of the programme presented by the Secretary of the Nunnery.
During the ceremony, Khenchen Rinpoche conferred the Khenmo ceremonial hats and certificates upon nineteen nuns who successfully completed their advanced studies in the Nyingma tradition at Shugsep Ogyen Dzong Institute. The newly enthroned Khenmos offered their vows before Khenchen Rinpoche, following which members of the assembly offered khatags in congratulation. The Secretary of Department of Religion and Culture also presented khatags and congratulatory souvenirs to the Khenmos.
The Khenmos subsequently offered a mandala and representations of Buddha’s body, speech and mind to Khenchen Rinpoche as an expression of gratitude for his guidance and blessings. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to former Kalon Rinchen Khando and to the Nunnery’s benefactor, Madam Elizabeth Stirling Harris, in recognition of their continued support.
Khenpo Namgyal of Shugsep Nunnery delivered an introductory address on the significance of the Khenmo enthronement ceremony. This was followed by remarks from Tibetan Parliamentarian Youdon Aukatsang, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project; Secretary Dhondul Dorjee; and the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. Concluding the programme, the Chief Guest, Khenchen Padma Sherab Rinpoche, delivered his keynote address.
The ceremony concluded with the recitation of auspicious prayers, the offering of khatas to the newly enthroned Khenmos, and a vote of thanks delivered by Khenmo Ogyen Dolma on behalf of the nunnery community.
