Tibetans Celebrate His Eminence Gyalwang Karmapa’s 25th birthday Saturday, 27 June 2009, 3:27 p.m.

His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa   Rinpoche/File photo

Dharamshala: The 25th birthday celebration of His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, head of Kam-tsang Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, was held yesterday (26 June) at his Gyuto Ramoche monastery near Dharamsala.The ceremony began with a prayer recitation presided over by Gyalwang Karmapa.Khen-Rinpoche,
the head of Gyuto Ramoche Monastery, led the prayers and performed a
Mandala offering to Gyalwang Karmapa, followed by a long life prayer
(tenshug) offering.Thousands of devotees from across the globe drove in at Gyuto monastery to attend the celebration.His
Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche led the second session of the prayer
ceremony, continuing the Mandala offering which was followed by a
tenshug offering. Many venerable Rinpoches and representatives
of the Central Tibetan Administration presented Mendrel (auspicious
offerings) and long life prayers. On behalf of the Kashag, Gonpo
Phuntsok, secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, offered
greetings to Gyalwang Karmapa.Other dignitaries who attended
the ceremony were Anyetsang Thubten Tashi, Justice Commissioner, Sonam
Damdul, Member of Parliament, Khorlatsang Sonam Tobgyal, secretary,
finance department, Nangsa Choedon, secretary, public service
commission and Tsering Phuntsok, representative officer of Dharamsala.The cake cutting ceremony was held later in the afternoon at around 5 p.m.