Dharamshala: The Department of Religion and Culture, in collaboration with Namgyal Monastery, commenced the annual Maha Guru Bumtsok prayer ceremony at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 20 June 2026.

The ceremony, which includes the offering of one hundred thousand feast offerings to Maha Guru Padmasambhava, is dedicated to prayers for the long life and good health of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and for the early restoration of freedom for the Tibetan people.

Observed annually during the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, this year’s Maha Guru Bumtsok is being held from the 6th to the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan Year 2153 (Fire Horse Year), corresponding to 20 to 24 June 2026.

Attending the opening day of the prayer gathering were Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang; Tibetan Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering; Officiating Sikyong and Kalon (Minister) Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture; Kalon (Minister) Palden Dhondup of the Department of Home; Kalon (Minister) Ugyen Tenzin of the Department of Education; Kalon (Minister) Pema Tso of the Department of Health; Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi; Auditor General Tashi Topgyal; Tibetan Parliamentarians including Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tsetan, Ven. Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen, Gyaltsen Choekye Gagya, Lobsang Thupten and Choedak Gyatso, together with members of the public.