[ Prem Chetry ]

LUMLA, 10 Oct: The 2nd Monyul Gyalwa Jampa Monlam Tongchoe Chenmo, a grand Buddhist prayer assembly dedicated to universal peace, compassion and flourishing of the dharma, concluded in the presence of hundreds of devotees on Saturday at Jampa Lhakhang in Lumla subdivision of Tawang district.

Held under the spiritual guidance of the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche, the Monlam aimed to promote universal peace and brotherhood across the globe. Prayers were also offered for the long life and wellbeing of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The six-day religious gathering that began on 5 October brought together devotees and participants from Bhutan, West Kameng and the host district, further strengthening the longstanding Buddhist and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations.

Centred on prayers and practices associated with Maitreya Buddha, also known as Gyalwa Jampa or the Future Buddha, the Monlam drew devotees, pilgrims and visitors to the region, contributing to the growth of spiritual tourism in Tawang. The participation of people from neighbouring Bhutan and other Buddhist areas of Arunachal Pradesh added to the event's cultural significance.

The concluding day featured the Jampa Choskor, a procession carrying the statue of the Future Buddha around the Lhakhang. Later, in the afternoon, pilgrims and devotees received the long-life blessings bestowed by the rinpoche.