Shamar Rinpoche gave an Amitabha initiation to his followers in Nepal, in the field behind the Grand Hotel in Boudhanath. Roughly 120,000 people attended, many of whom were from the Helambu (Yolmo) region, whose ancestors were followers of past Sharmapas— in particular the 8th Shamarpa who was born in Yolmo. Many Newari Buddhists from Kathmandu also attended, who likewise claim ancestors that were disciples of past Shamarpas. The event was organized jointly by many indigenous Buddhist organizations in Nepal. The ceremony lasted roughly 9 hours, and eventually the local authorities had to close the roads leading to the site so that the ceremony did not last for days.