Paris: The first-ever Grand Monlam commenced in Sarcelles, in the Paris metropolitan area, on the auspicious occasion of the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The three-day gathering will take place from 6-8 July 2026

Organised as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to His Holiness for his lifelong service to humanity and to contribute to world peace through collective prayers and spiritual practice, the historic gathering brought together members of the Sangha, representatives of other Buddhist traditions and devotees from across Europe.

The gathering was presided over by H.E. the Gaden Tripa, Their Eminences Sharpa Choeje and Jangtse Choejey Rinpoche, and attended by other eminent Buddhist masters, Lobsang Jinpa, Secretary of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, European Parliamentarians Thupten Gyatso and Tenzin Yangkar, Representative Rigzin Genkhang, accompanied by Thupten Tsering, Coordinator of the Office of Tibet, Paris, other distinguished guests and members of the public.

As part of the program, H.E. Gaden Tripa Rinpoche ceremonially cut a multi-tiered cake to celebrate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The successful organisation of the First Grand Monlam in Sarcelles marks a milestone laying a strong foundation for future annual Grand Monlam gatherings across Europe.