Karmapa visits Kalimpong

April 26, 2025

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at Bagdogra Airport on the 20th of April, and was given a warm welcome by the Vajra Master of Rumtek, Ven. Nedo Rinpoche, and representatives from Sikkim and Diwakar Buddhist Academy in Kalimpong. He was then led to his car in a festive procession, preceded by a group of drummers.

As Karmapa’s cavalcade slowly approached the premises of Diwakar Buddhist Academy, lines of devotees lined both sides of the street holding offerings scarves and flowers, and Karmapa blessed them from the car. When he arrived at the campus, he was guided to his residence (Zimchung) in a ceremonial parade, complete with incense and the traditional parasol, and lines of monks wearing ceremonial hats, holding banners and playing gyalings, cymbals, and hand-held drums.

Over the next few days, many groups of local devotees came to receive his blessings and Dharma advice.

Karmapa also partook in a guided evening tour of the entire campus of Diwakar Buddhist Academy, including their remarkable library and publishing house.

The entire monastic sangha performed the practice of Gönpo Tsok Gya (The Hundredfold Accumulation Offering of Mahakala), as well as two profound longevity practices: Tsedrup Ngöndrup Küntso (The Bestower of All Attainments) and Tsedrup Sangwa Düpa (The Secret Essence of Longevity Practice) for a period of four days. All these practices were devoted to Karmapa’s long life and enlightened activities.

Please enjoy these pictures from Karmapa’s arrival and the first few days of his stay in Kalimpong.