Tibetan communities across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla marked the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangza, immolated himself outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026, with prayer services and protests.
IMAGE: Tibetans gather for a prayer service marking the 49th day since activist Lobga Rangzen died, while paying tribute to 157 Tibetans who lost their lives in the independence movement, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, August 20, 2026. Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
Key Points
- Tibetan communities organised coordinated memorial events across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla to mark the 49th day since Lobga Rangzen killed himself outside the UN headquarters in New York.
- Symbolic head-shaving, candlelight vigils and protests highlighted calls for Tibet's independence across multiple Indian cities.
Prayer Service at Jantar Mantar
IMAGE: Tibetans participate in a prayer service at Jantar Mantar, here and below. Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
Haircuts Mark Memorial Observance
IMAGE: Tibetans take part in a symbolic head-shaving protest and public prayer at Jantar Mantar, with 'Free Tibet' formed from the cut hair on the ground. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Participants receive haircuts. Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
IMAGE: Tibetans continue prayers at Jantar Mantar, here and below. Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
Photograph: Neeraj/ANI Photo
Shimla Lights Diyas For Lobsang Palden
IMAGE: Tibetans light diyas during a prayer service in Shimla in activist Lobsang Palden's memory. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Tibetan monks pray in Shimla for Lobsang Palden. Photograph: ANI Photo
Symbolic Protest for Free Tibet
IMAGE: Tibetans protest outside the Chinese consulate in Kolkata, here and below. Photograph: ANI Photo
Photograph: ANI Photo
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
