[ Prem Chetry ]

LUMLA, 6 Oct: Amid a huge gathering, the 2nd Monyul Gyalwa Jampa Monlam Tongchoe Chenmo began on Monday in Jampa Lhakhang in Lumla subdivision of Tawang district.

The six-day annual event, which will culminate on 10 October, began under the spiritual guidance of the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche, along with dozens of monks.

Speaking on the objectives of the event, the rinpoche said that it is an annual spiritual gathering comprising the recitation of holy scriptures, discourses, dharma teachings and longevity initiations for the promotion of global peace and wellbeing of all sentient beings.

"This annual spiritual ceremony is believed to help accumulate merit in our lives and keep us away from worldly suffering and ignorance," he added.

On the first day, apart from other monastic events, a mass prayer for the long and healthy life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was also offered.

Apart from pilgrims from Tawang and West Kameng districts, pilgrims from neighbouring Bhutan also joined the spiritual congregation, as Jampa Lhakhang is located close to the Bhutan border.