Kalimpong: As part of the “Year of Compassion” programme celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday observance year, the three monasteries under the jurisdiction of the Kalimpong Tibetan Settlement Office—Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery, Palden Sae Gyud Monastery, and Zhekar Choede Monastery—held a special religious ceremony on 12 August 2025.

The event was graced by Kalimpong Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Tseten as the chief guest, along with several other dignitaries including the Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, and members of local civil society.

Throughout the day, the gathering—comprising monastic communities and lay Tibetan residents—offered prayers for the long life and well-being of His Holiness, for the swift resolution of the long-standing Tibet-China conflict, and for each participant’s personal accumulation of merits. The function also featured a ceremonial cake cutting to commemorate the 90th birthday of His Holiness.

During the ceremony, the TSO and members of the Local Tibetan Assembly performed mandala offerings to a portrait of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama, and the TSO addressed the assembled monks and the public.

-Report filed by TSO, Kalimpong