On 21 October 2026, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), together with its former members and the regional lhamo troupes, the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture, and the Nepal Tibetan Lhamo Troupe, jointly fulfilled their prayers and appeals by taking part in the long-life offering ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As His Holiness travelled from his residence to the main temple, TIPA welcomed him with a grand reception that included the Hunter’s Chant, the Gar-lu “Jamrol” dance-song, and the White Garuda (Khyung Karpo) performance.
At the start of the main long-life ceremony, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche served as vajra master and performed the ritual of drawing the essence of Amitayus, the deity of limitless life, as a long-life practice. The three groups (TIPA, the alumni, and the troupes) presented the three supports and the mandala offerings to His Holiness, praying that his life remain firm for a hundred aeons and that all his wishes be fulfilled. That day, in the presence of His Holiness, TIPA and the alumni also offered two songs as clouds of offerings: Dpal gyi Chos ‘khor Lhasa and the Long-Life Praise Song (Tenshuk Töyang), the latter composed by Tsedrung Zurpa Kungo Jampa Tenzin.
After the main long-life ceremony, TIPA and the alumni performed three non-common ancient Tibetan “Chol-kha” folk songs in the courtyard of the temple, and the day’s programme concluded successfully.
On the 22nd, TIPA and the alumni presented the opera Khyeu Pema woebar. The chief guest in attendance being Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the head of the Central Tibetan Administration, with Speaker Dolma Tsering of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile as special guest. Also present were several hundred people, including heads of governmental and non-governmental organisations and schools from across Himachal Pradesh
At the opening, the TIPA Director gave an introduction to the festival and formally began the lhamo performance. After the performance, TIPA presented tokens of appreciation to the former Directors of the institute.
Following the performance, the chief guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, delivered an address expressing his heartfelt gratitude to TIPA and its alumni for presenting a full-day Tibetan opera performance. He also acknowledged the presentation of mementos to the institute’s former dance directors, emphasising that when individuals entrusted with responsibilities perform their duties diligently and to a high standard, it contributes significantly to the stability and continuity of an organisation. He extended his appreciation to the current Director, Dhondup Tsering, for his dedicated efforts. He further highlighted that although numerous guidelines and instructions have been provided to preserve Tibetan traditional culture, its continued survival and development have been made possible above all through the compassion and kindness of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Following the address, the Secretary Sonam Chophel delivered the vote of thanks.
At 6:30 PM, TIPA and its alumni organised an evening gathering which was open to the general public free of charge. The event was graced by chief guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering and special guest Kyabje Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche (Tulku Ling Rinpoche). The Secretary of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, along with heads of various governmental and non-governmental organisations, also attended the gathering. The programme featured approximately twenty performances showcasing the richness and diversity of Tibetan traditional culture, including traditional songs, group performances, solo presentations, and Tibetan opera songs.
On the morning of the 23rd, TIPA organised a discussion forum focusing on the stability, management, and future development of the Tibetan opera troupe. The forum brought together more than a hundred participants, including TIPA alumni and current staff members, to exchange views and discuss ways to strengthen the troupe and ensure its continued development.
In conclusion, the organisers expressed their profound gratitude to TIPA staff, alumni, and regional Tibetan opera troupes for their dedicated participation and contributions to the offerings and prayers. They acknowledged that, through the boundless compassion and kindness of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, many senior members of TIPA had the precious opportunity to attend the long-life ceremony. The gathering of numerous alumni and members of regional opera troupes further reflected the collective commitment to preserving and promoting Tibetan cultural heritage. Although some alumni were unable to attend in person due to professional commitments, they extended their heartfelt support through prayers and good wishes. The organisers conveyed their sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the occasion, which concluded successfully in an atmosphere of auspiciousness, unity, and celebration.
