Around 700 members of the Tibetan community, international guests, and friends from Himalayan communities gathered at Namgyal Higher Secondary School in Kathmandu to celebrate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The event was organized by the Office of Tibet, Nepal, with the assistance of the Birthday Celebration Organizing Committee.
Khenpo Jampa Lobsang Rinpoche of Kyirong Tsering Chöling Nunnery attended the celebration as the chief guest. Distinguished guests included representatives of several embassies in Nepal, officials from the UNHCR refugee office, representatives of a Nepal-based human rights organization, members of Himalayan Buddhist communities, and current and former Tibetan parliamentarians.
The ceremony commenced with a traditional procession carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accompanied by the ceremonial drums and cymbals of the school band. The Nepal Tibetan Opera Association performed the traditional Tashi Sholpa dance, while the Nepal Tehor Welfare Association presented snow lion and yak dances throughout the procession.
Due to restrictions imposed by the local security authorities this year, the Tibetan national anthem could not be sung. Likewise, the customary reading and distribution of statements from the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile could not take place during the gathering.
The gathering, however, paid tribute to the late Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen for his sacrifice and offered prayers by reciting The Words of Truth in his memory. Cultural performances were subsequently presented by the Nepal Tibetan Opera Association and students from various Tibetan schools.
During the celebration, Karma Gyaltsen, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, Nepal, delivered a birthday address to the invited guests and the public. Following a vote of thanks delivered by Jawalakhel Tibetan Settlement Officer Tashi Dorjee, the gathering concluded with the singing of Ki Sö Lha Gyalo.
The event highlights the continuous cultural and spiritual resilience of the community in holding such significant celebrations under prevailing local circumstances.
Credit: Office of Tibet, Kathmandu and tibet.net
