Bodh Gaya: On 23 January, 2026, the Padmasambhava Grand Temple and Nyingma Center was formally inaugurated in Bodhgaya, marking a significant milestone for the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism with the 37th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo being held from 19 – 28 January 2026, in Bodhgaya.

The ceremony had the gracious presence of the Chief Guest, the Honourable Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammad Khan; Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche (Chairman, Nyingma Monlam Chenmo) led Nyingma leaders; Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; Hon. Lonpo Tshering, Minister of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan; Hon. Sonam Lama, Minister of the Ecclesiastical Department and Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Sikkim; Hon. Zipa Tshering, former Member of Parliament from Nepal; Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; Secretary of the Department of Religion (Central Tibetan Administration); DC of Bodhgaya; Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society led representatives of various monasteries, dharma centres, and organizations; and others.

The inauguration was officially marked by the recitation of the Eight Auspicious Verses, ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and the lighting of butter lamps. Kyabje Minling Khenchen Rinpoche delivered the welcome address, followed by the keynote address from Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche.

Addresses were delivered by several distinguished dignitaries, including the Chief Guest Hon. Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Bihar; Hon. Zipa Tshering, former Member of Parliament from Nepal; Hon. Sonam Lama, Minister of the Ecclesiastical Department and Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Sikkim; Hon. Lonpo Tshering, Minister of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan; and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, who read a message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Cultural and spiritual offerings included a Sanskrit recitation of the Heart Sutra and a melodic rendition of the Seven-Line Prayer. Awards of appreciation were presented to former office holders and contributors to the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, followed by the presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries and members of the temple construction team.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kyabje Khentrul Gyangkhang Rinpoche and the recitation of prayers for the flourishing of the Nyingma teachings. A celebratory luncheon was subsequently hosted at the Monastic Centre for all attendees.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliament in Exile