Bylakuppe: The Tibetan community at Bylakuppe marked the 36th birthday of the Panchen Lama, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, with grand celebrations at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

Over 1,000 Tibetans and Buddhist Monks participated in the event, which featured traditional ceremonies, cultural programmes and a demand for information about the Panchen Lama’s whereabouts.

The Panchen Lama, considered a divine devotee after the Dalai Lama, was abducted by the Chinese government at a young age, and his location remains unknown. Despite this, the Tibetan community in India continues to commemorate his birthday with increasing enthusiasm.

Preparations for the celebration began a week in advance, with over 500 Buddhist Monks decorating the temple with flowers and creating traditional Tibetan paintings.

The Monks also invited the local public, presented them with bouquets and celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony. Students performed traditional Tibetan cultural programmes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event saw the presence of the chief guru of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, members of the administrative board, officials from the Tibetan settlements and numerous Tibetans and                     Buddhist Monks.

The celebration also served as an opportunity for the Tibetan community to demand the release of information about the Panchen Lama’s status, amid reports of increased aggression from the Chinese Government towards Tibetans.