Belgium: The Celebration of the 85th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Antwerp, Belgium came as a very special occasion.  Needless to say, this year’s birthday has been heralded a global affair of enormous international significance. People across the world streamed in their greetings to His Holiness under the pandemic restrictions. The Central Tibetan Administration has also announced the year as the Gratitude year to His Holiness.

But for Tibetans in Belgium, the relaxation of rules under pandemic gave them a rare opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness and to recall his blessings. It also, in a way, gave the opportunity to celebrate and share the joyful day together and gave vent to the long lockdown stress.

Under the circumstances of pandemic rules not more than 50 persons were allowed to gather. Therefore a representative celebration, as it were,  was organised by the Tibetan Community at Shangrila Restaurant. It was attended by limited guests, including the Representative of His Holiness, Presidents, and Secretaries of 7 other Tibetan organisations in Belgium.

Before the formal ceremony, a solemn but incense-filled sangsol was held outside the restaurant. Led by a sangha of monks, all stood in the open with prayer books and joined in loudly in inviting all the deities to bless the offerings. Lhagyal was chanted in the end amid plumes of incense smoke and dispersal of lhagyal tsampa.

In the formal ceremony Mr. Phurbu Dhondup, President of Tibetan Community gave the introductory speech. Mr. Vincent Matten from ICT presented a brief report on the work of ICT.

Representative Tashi Phuntsok rounded up the various effective works done by the Office of Tibet and the Tibetan community during the lockdown period.

He reminded all to recite mani as advised His Holiness on the day and said to follow His Holiness’ advice given on other birthdays and support and help implement his four commitments.

A round of thank yous was extended by Mr Lobsang Tenpa, Vice President of Tibetan Community.

The event was covered by local newspapers, including Gazet van Antwerpen.
-Filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels