June 26, 2009 – Gyuto, Dharamsala
The celebration began in the early morning. Drupon Rinpoche offered a Khata to His Holiness at the beginning of the prayer recitation.
Khen-Rinpoche, the head of Gyuto Ramoche Monastery, led the prayers and performed a Mandala offering to His Holiness, followed by a Tenshug offering.
The main shrine hall of Gyuto was crowded with huge numbers of international devotees. The devotees and many venerable rinpoches gathered for His Holiness’ birthday.
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, representatives of the Tibetan Government in Exile performed a Mandala offering and Tenshug. Mr. Gonpo Phuntsok, the Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, offerd His Holiness well wishes on behalf of the Kashag (the governing council of the Tibetan Government in exile).
Mr. Sonam Damdul, Kagyu Member of Parliament; Justice Commissioner, Mr. Anyetsang Thubten Tashi; Mr. Khorlatsang Sonam Tobgyal, secretary of the Financial department; Mrs. Nangsa Choedon, secretary to the public service commission; and Mr. Tsering Phuntsok, representative officer of Dharamsala; were among the dignitaries of the Tibetan Government in Exile.
Later in the day, around 5:00pm, His Holiness cut the birthday cake. Thousands of international devotees sang a birthday song and wished His Holiness a very happy 25th birthday.
His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa’s 25th birthday celebrations
