Frankfurt, Germany: The history was made in Frankfurt as Tibethaus Deutschland, in partnership with the Germany Ghoton Committee which was co-sponsored by the Tibet Bureau Geneva and others, hosted the city’s first-ever ‘Tibet Festival’. The landmark two-day celebration from 23–24 August honoured two milestones: the 20th anniversary of Tibethaus Germany and the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The event drew wide participation from cultural, political, and international circles.

The festival offered a rich presentation of Tibetan culture, with traditional Tibetan music and dances such as Tibetan opera, Dranyen (Tibetan guitar) performances, calligraphy, Tibet related books alongside the exhibitions of rare photographs of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The visitors also experienced talks on Tibetan medicine, Culture, Thangka, Tsatsa, meditation sessions, and explanations of spiritual practices such as Lungta etc. More than a cultural program, the event stood as a living testament to Tibet’s enduring spirit and its universal message of peace, compassion, and resilience. Numerous information booths, including one hosted by the regional V-TAG group, engaged with visitors to share insights about their activities and raise awareness of the current situation in Tibet.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Phuntsok Topgyal, UN Advocacy Officer; Stephan Siegler, Representative of the City of Frankfurt and City Advisor;  Loden Sherab Dagyab Rinpoche, founder of Tibethaus Germany; Kalsang Gyaltsen, former Special Envoy and Advisor to the CTA’s Permanent Strategy Committee; Wangpo Tethong of ICT; Frank Auth, Chairman of Friends for a Friend e.V.; representatives from the Consulate of India Frankfurt; and Dieter Beine, Chief of Protocol Hessen were all in attendance.

Dagyab Rinpoche, in his address, described the festival as the realisation of a long-cherished vision. He reminded the audience that Tibethaus was founded under the direct guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and expressed that it will continue to grow as a beacon of intercultural understanding.

Speaking on behalf of Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Mike Josef, representative Stephan Siegler reaffirmed the city’s longstanding support for His Holiness, the Tibetan cause, and Tibethaus Germany, assuring that this partnership will remain steadfast in the future.

Reflecting on the centre’s beginnings, Special Envoy Kalsang Gyaltsen recalled how His Holiness personally encouraged him to establish Tibethaus two decades ago. Today, he noted, the institution has become more than a cultural hub—it is a symbol of dialogue, resilience, and hope. He also highlighted the ongoing repression in Tibet, warning against global indifference. “Initiatives like Tibethaus,” he emphasised, “are vital to preserving our identity and struggle.” He praised the recent publication “Has the World Forgotten the Dalai Lama and Tibet”? by Friends for a Friend as an important contribution to spreading awareness across boundaries.

The two days festival reaffirmed Tibethaus Germany’s role as a cultural and moral bridge between Tibet and Germany. It carried a clear message- while Tibet’s political future remains uncertain, its heritage, values, and voice will not be silenced.

Frankfurt’s first Tibet Festival proved not only as a cultural celebration but also a powerful reminder of Tibet’s unbroken spirit and its universal call for peace and humanity.

–Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva