Gifu Prefecture, Japan: Mongols, Japanese, and Tibetan communities from the Tokai regions of Honshu Island gathered at the mini Mongolia Camping Ground in the beautiful, picturesque mountains of Gifu Prefecture and celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday with prayers, cultural exchange, festive dancing, and feasting.

The celebration began with Sangsol, the burning of sacred herbs as an offering to the deities, and prayers for the good health and long life of His Holiness. Members of the three communities sang the birthday song and shared a birthday cake.

Tsering Dorjee, President of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) Japan, welcomed everyone and thanked the participants for travelling to the camp to share this auspicious moment together. He read the message from Dr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo, the representative of the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia.

Representative Dr. Arya, in his message, briefed the gathering on the historical, religious, and cultural relationship between Tibet and Mongolia. He advised them to study each other’s history, which is being distorted and rewritten by the CCP regime. He explained the importance of the institution of H.H. the Dalai Lama and Jetsun Dhampa as a strong foundation for world peace and prosperity.

Professor Yang Haiying of Shizuoka University and Southern Mongol Kuriltai Representative Olhunud Daichin greeted the gatherings and talked on the long historical and cordial relationship between Tibetans and Mongolians. They talked about Tibetan Buddhism and culture, and requested the gathering to preserve this sacred religious and cultural bond between the two communities.

Members of the Mongolian community expressed appreciation and joy for being able to participate in celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday with Tibetans and Japanese friends. They expressed their joy at being part of this special occasion. The festivities continued late into the night with a Tibetan circle dance and karaoke featuring Tibetan, Mongolian, and Japanese songs.

Mongol community has made Ger, Mongolian tents, for the participants to experience the Mongol hospitality and ambience.-Report

-Report filed by the Office of Tibet, Japan