Excitement builds as finishing touches are made at the teaching venue!

Monks at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery unwrap images of the current and previous incarnations of the Panchen Lama, in preparation for the inauguration of the newly restored monastery by HH the Dalai Lama, and subsequent Jangchup Lamrim Teachings. Tashi Lhunpo monastery was bestowed upon the Panchen Lama Lobsang Chökyi Gyalsten by the Fifth Dalai Lama. The inauguration will take place tomorrow, and the Jangchup Lamrim Teachings begin on the 20th of December. © Rio Helmi

Monks attaching the ribbon to the main door of the Tashi Lhunpo Prayer Hall, for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to cut, as part of the inauguration. © Rio Helmi

Last minute banners being attached to the main temple. © Rio Helmi

Artist Jhampa Gyalsten, who was in charge of all the artwork for the restoration of Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Bylakuppe, sketches out auspicious symbols for his crew to fill in, on the approach pathway for His Holiness to the main temple. © Rio Helmi