Traditionally, the Panchen Lama is the head of Tashilhunpo Monastery, and holds religious and secular power over the Tsang region centered in Shigatse, independent of the Ganden Podrang authority led by the Dalai Lama.[7][8] The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are closely connected, and each participate in the process of recognizing each other's reincarnations.[9]