Dharamshala: On 5 November 2026, the enthronement ceremony of Khondung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche as the 44th Sakya Trizin was held in accordance with tradition at the glorious Sakya Thekchen Phuntsok Ling Monastery in Jaigaon, on the India-Bhutan border.

The main enthronement ceremony was presided over by Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Chenpo. Also in attendance were the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, accompanied by members of the Khondung lineages from both palaces, high-ranking lamas, and the representative of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

Other notable dignitaries included Chief Justice Yeshi Wangmo; Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel; Kalon (Minister) for Religion and Culture Chugya Dranye Tsegyal; Sikkim’s Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs Sonam Lama; Public Service Commission Chair Karma Yeshi; and parliamentarians Tenpa Yarphel, Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten, Lopen Thubten Gyaltsen, Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen, Khenpo Kata Ngedup Sonam, and Ngawang Lodoe Drawu.

Also present were Lobsang Jinpa, Secretary of the Gaden Phodrang; Gyalyum and Dagmos; Jetsunmas; khenpos and tulkus; former Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok; former Kalon Gyari Dolma; former parliamentarians Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Tulku Orgyen Tobgyal, and Drawu Tseten; representatives of various organisations; other distinguished guests; and a large gathering of monastics and laypeople.

In the morning, Khondung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche was welcomed and escorted into Thekchen Phuntsok Ling Monastery in a grand traditional procession featuring incense-bearers. Following the procession, Rinpoche offered a mandala to Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Chenpo and the Sakya Trizin. Khondung Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche was then formally enthroned upon the golden throne of the 44th Sakya Trizin.

During the ceremony, a long-life offering (tenshug) was presented to the 44th Sakya Trizin, Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche. On the occasion, the Chief Justice, Deputy Speaker, Minister for Religion and Culture, and members of Parliament presented mandala offerings.

Following the conclusion of the enthronement ceremony, senior leaders of the Central Tibetan Administration received an audience with Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Chenpo and the 44th Sakya Trizin, Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche.