Shimla: The local residents of Shimla gathered to hold prayer offerings in solidarity for the recent earthquake occurred in Tibet.

On 7 January 2025, around 9 a.m. a strong earthquake struck several areas including Dingri in upper Tibet, resulting in the deaths of over 129 people and injuring approximately 188 others. Reports from Chinese government media stated the earthquake’s magnitude as 6.8, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded it as 7.1.

In response to these casualties from the earthquake, Thupten Dorje Drak Monastery based in Shimla held prayer offerings on the morning of 8 January 2025. Later that afternoon, the local residents of Shimla also gathered to offer prayers and express their solidarity with the earthquake victims in Tibet. 

Miao: On 9 January 2025, Thursday morning at 8:30, the Miao Choephelling Tibetan Settlement Office organised a prayer service at Pema Choeling Monastery in response to the tragic earthquake that occurred in Dingri, Shigatse, Tibet. Attendees included the Tibetan Settlement Officer, staff from the Tibetan Settlement Office, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the local monastic community, school and hospital staff, local Tibetan cooperative society staff and a large number of local residents, including men and women of all ages.

Poanta: On 9 January 2025, the Poanta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement Office also organised a gathering of all local residents, including the affiliated Shalu Monastery, Men-Tse-Khang branch (Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute) and the local Tibetan community. The participant assembled at the public prayer hall to offer prayers.

During the gathering, Poanta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement Officer Gelek Jamyang expressed, “Today, we gather as a community for prayer offerings and chanting mantras primarily to express our solidarity with the victims of recent earthquake in Tibet. This sudden event has caused numerous deaths and significant damages. On behalf of all Poanta Cholsum people, we offer condolences and at the same time, pray for those whose lives have been lost and who have been injured in the earth quake disaster in Tibet.”

Herbertpur: On 8 January 2025, Herbertpur Tibetan Settlement Office also organise a prayer session to express solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet. The disaster marked by severe casulties, included an earthquake in Shigatse on 7 January followed by another jolt in Amdo Golog on 8 January 2025.

The prayer session led by the Abbot of Gongkar Tsedup Lhakhang, brought together Tibetan from Buluwala, Khera, Lakhanwala, Herbertpur and Haripur. Participant offered prayers for the tragic loss of lives, numerous injuries and extensive damage property.

The gathering expressed heartfelt condolences, praying for the departed souls to rest in peace and to have a swift rebirth in a land of freedom. They also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and the restoration of peace to the land of snow.

Tenzingang: On 9 January 2025, a strong earthquake occurred in Dingri County in Shigatse City in Tibet. In response, the Tenzingang Tibetan Settlement Office and Gyuto Monastery jointly organised prayer service in the morning in solidarity with the earthquake victims.

The prayer service was conducted at Gyuto Monastery and led by Monastery Administrator (Chakzoe) Venerable Jamba Tsering and the monastery’s monks, saw the participation of local Tibetans and community leaders.

Tibetan Settlement Officer Rapten Tsering expressed deep sorrow over the recent natural disaster earthquake that occurred in Tibet. He requested venerable monks and local Tibetan people to offer sincere prayers for those who lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of those who are currently under medical treatment. The settlers and members of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA) of Tenzingang lit one thousand butter lamps in honour of the deceased.

Tea and snacks were served to venerable monks and to all the public sponsored by Pema Wangdak of Camp No.1 and Lhakpa Tsering of Camp no. 3 respectively.

Puruwala: On 9 January 2025, a prayer session was held at the Puruwala Sakya Tibetan Settlement Community Hall (Manilhakhang) to offer prayers and show solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet. The disaster resulted in numerous casualties and injuries, leaving communities in mourning.

The event held at morning brought together local residents and members of the Tibetan community. Tenzin Namgyal, the Puruwala Sakya Tibetan Settlement Officer, addressed the gathering, highlighting the profound impact of the earthquake on the affected population. He emphasised the importance of unity and collective prayers during such challenging times.

The gathering offered heartfelt prayers for the deceased and injured, fostering a spirit of compassion and support within the community.

Kumrao: On the morning of 10 January, at 10 a.m., local residents of Kumrao gathered to offer prayers and express their solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet. 

The devastating earthquake has resulted in numerous deaths and caused significant damage. On behalf of all the residents of Kumrao, heartfelt condolences were extended to the affected families. Prayers were also offered for those who lost their lives and for the recovery of those injured in this tragic disaster. 

Dehradun: Following the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri and surrounding areas in Tibet on 7 January 2024, causing severe loss of life and property, various monasteries and Tibetan settlements under jurisdiction of Dehradun Tibetan Settlement Office organised prayer services and butter lamp offerings to express solidarity with those victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet. 

Prayer gatherings that were held across different monasteries and settlements in the Dehradun area as a gesture of spiritual support and sympathy for the victims.

Kollegal: On 7 January 2025, a devastating earthquake struck areas of Tibet, primarily affecting Dingri area in Tibet. This tragic event resulted in significant loss of life and injuries among the Tibetan communities in Tibet.

In response, the Tibetan Settlement Office of Kollegal Dhondenling organised a prayer service and butter lamp offering ceremony on Monday, 13 January at the Phodrang.

The event witnessed active participation from monks representing various monasteries and local residents, who gathered to offer prayers and express solidarity with those affected by the calamity. On behalf of Tibetan residents in Dhondenling Kollegal, the collective prayers were extended to the affected families. Prayers were also offered for those who lost their lives and for the recovery of those injured in this tragic disaster. 

Mandi: Tibetan residents, along with the Himalayan community in Mandi, gathered at the Wogmin Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery on 13 January to offer prayers for the lives lost in the recent earthquake in Tibet, as well as for the damage caused to properties and livestock. Following the prayer congregation, the gathering held a candlelight vigil along the circumambulation path around Rewalsar Lake to express their solidarity with Tibetans in Dingri and the surrounding regions.