The 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche presenting a holy buddhist statue to Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche during the later’s 80th birthday celebration in Herbertpur. 

Dharamshala: Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, attended the celebration of 80th birthday of Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche, the 41st throne holder of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, as special guest on 7 and 8 January 2025 at Gongkar Choede Monastery in Doegu Yougyaling Tibetan Settlement, Herbertpur.

On the first day of the celebration, organised by the Lhokha Gyaton Organising Committee, Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche bestowed empowerment of Ta-Chak-Khyung Sum—three powerful and wrathful healing deities: Hayagriva, Vajrapani, and Garuda.

Later that afternoon, the main celebration ceremony officially began with a welcome speech by the Vice President of the organising committee, Jampa Dawa, followed by President Geshe Zangpo’s address on the objectives of the offering of long-life prayers and the presentation of appreciation awards. 

Afterwards, the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche presented the Yumbu Lhakhar Award to the Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche as a token of gratitude.

Similarly, Secretary Dhondul Dorjee presented Yumbu Lhakhar Award to Gyalyum Chenmo Tashi Lhakyi and the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche before the distribution of birthday cake to celebrants.

Thereafter, Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche bestowed Yumbu Lhakhar Educational Award to Menpa (physician) Kalsang Donden and student Kunga Dechen. Rinpoche also conferred tokens of appreciation to Secretary Dhondul Dorjee. 

The event was addressed by Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche and Secretary Dhondul Dorjee, among other dignitaries. 

In honour of the Rinpoche’s 80th birthday, various cultural performances were presented during the event.

On the subsequent day, the Secretary of Department of Religion and Cultures participated in the long-life prayers offered to Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche by the people of Lhoka.