On the completion 49th day since the devastating earthquake that jolted Dingri and its surrounding regions: Dramtso, Tsogo, Lhatse, Sakya, Tingkye, and Ngamring, on 7 January earlier this year, the Belgium Tibetan community members gathered at Karma Sonam Gyatso Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Antwerp on 23 February 2025 for a prayer gathering to mark the end of mourning period according to Tibetan Buddhist practices.

This prayer ceremony was organised by regional U-Tsang and Domey associations, along with local Tibetan Women’s Association. It was attended by the Bureau du Tibet’s Representative Rigzin Choedon Genkhang, Secretary Thinley Wangdue, and EU Advocacy Officer Tenzin Phuntsok, as well as Metok Rinpoche from the Himalayan Dolma Buddhist Institute, Geshe Tseten Phuntsok from the Shedrup Tengye Ling Buddhist Centre, Geshe Jigme and monks from the Sera Jey Buddhist Cultural Centre in Belgium. Several other representatives from local Tibetan NGOs and other associations also attended the prayer gathering.

The event began with a welcome address by Kyidzom, President of the U-Tsang Association of Belgium, followed by a keynote speech from Representative Rigzin Choedon, who provided an overview and updates of the earthquake situation and offered condolences for the lives that succumbed. Jigme, President of the Domey Association of Belgium, briefed how the three organisations collaborated to holds this prayer service. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dadon, the secretary of the local Tibetan Women’s Association, followed by a tsok (feast offering) at 4 PM. The three organisations also arranged a simple lunch for all participants.