Tashi Lhunpo Monastery celebrated His Holiness 11th Panchen Lama's 19th birthday anniversary in a solemn fashion with a heavy heart. The special day was started from early morning 5.30am with special prayer for the long life and early release of 11th Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima.

The main official ceremony was started first with sang sol at the courtyard of the monastery with all the visiting dignitaries and the gathered public. The chief guest for the day was Mr. Norpa Tsering Norbu, justice commission of the local Tibetan settlement. Bylakuppe,

After the sang sol, retinue with dignitaries, the Picture of his Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama was received from his palace and taken inside the main temple and placed on the throne. The main ceremony began with prayers for his long life and welcome speech by the speaker Ven. Kachen Lobsang Thukje la. Then the acting Abbot of the monastery Rev. Kachen Lobsang Sherab la read out the statement of the monastery and addresses the gathering about the importance of lineage of Panchen Lama and especial contributions made by HH the 10th Panchen Lama for the preservation of Tibetan cultural and religion in Tibet. He even stress that it been thirteen long year since government of PRC kept 11th Panchen Lama in detention. Even today there is no clue about his whereabouts and this is big concern for all of us. Finally he sincerely thanks all the government, non-governmental organization and individual for their support on the issue of 11th Panchen Lama.

Chief Guest of a day gave short speech to the gathering also on the special contribution made by HH the 10th Panchen Lama for the Tibetans and how he was loved by every one in Tibet.

Ceremonial tea and sweet rice were served to all and exchange sweet to mark the special day. The speaker thanks each and every one who participated on this big day on behalf of the monastery.

On this very occasion, 50 monks from monastery had been to Bangalore, State Capital to stage hunger strike for the immediate and unconditional release of His Holiness the Panchen Lama and for the support of Tibetan people who are presently under very tense situation in Tibet. 25 monks who are presently in Delhi will conclude its week long hunger strike later in the evening.