Dharamshala to mark the Panchen Lama's Birthday

Dharamshala: Tibetans in Dharamshala will mark the 19th birthday of the Panchen Lama on Friday, 25 April, with an early morning prayer congregation - to be led by monks of the Namgyal monastery - in remembrance of those people, who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet.

At 6 AM, people will gather at Lhagyalri to perform Sangsol (incense offering ceremony).

The Central Association for His Serenity the Panchen Lama, which is the administrative head of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, based in Bylakuppe, South India, has made the announcement.

Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche will address the function at the Tsuglagkhang (main temple).

Speaker Karma Chophel will also address the day.

Later in the evening, people will gather at the main temple to hold a candle light procession - covering a circular route through bus stand, Gu-Chu-Sum, and circumambulation path (Lingkor).

A documentary on the life histories of successive Panchen Lamas and their relations with the successive Dalai Lamas will be screened.

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the six-year-old boy identified by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, disappeared on 17 May 1995. The Chinese government later admitted to holding the boy and his family in "protective custody".

Despite repeated appeals to gain access to the boy, no international agency or human rights organisation has been granted contact with the young Panchen Lama or his family. To date, their well-being and whereabouts remain unknown.