Brazil: From 12 June to 2 September 2025, a delegation of five monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery, India, accompanied by Representative Jigme Tsering and Phurbu Tsering from the Office of Tibet, Latin America, conducted a cultural and spiritual tour across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico in celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday (Ghoton). The delegation—Geshe Tenzin Sangay, Geshe Lobsang Dhondup, Geshe Tashi Phuntsok, Geshe Tenpa Lektsok, and Ven. Tenzin Dundup—shared Tibetan culture and inspiring communities across Latin America of His Holiness’s teachings on compassion, universal responsibility, inter-religious harmony, and the promotion of human values.

The tour reached 21 cities and towns, creating 13 Sand Mandalas dedicated to His Holiness’s long and healthy life, and hosting 13 major birthday celebrations. Over 8,000 people participated, including ambassadors, parliamentarians, academics, civil society leaders, Buddhist communities, and human rights activists.

The celebrations featured, inauguration of His Holiness’ Bronze Statue, Sand Mandalas – created and ritually dismantled to symbolise impermanence and blessings, sacred music and chants – performed by the monks to offer spiritual resonance to the communities, photo exhibition – 42 panels with captions in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, highlighting His Holiness’ life, achievements, and global contributions, educational engagements – University lectures and dialogues on His Holiness’ three principal commitments: promotion of human values, inter-religious harmony, and preservation of Tibetan culture and environment, public gatherings – community celebrations featuring prayers, offerings, and cultural performances and lobby – engagements with deputies, parliamentarians, and civil society to raise awareness about Tibet and His Holiness’ vision.

Brazil: The tour began with events organised by Tibet House Brasil in collaboration with the Centro de Estudos Budistas Bodisatva (CEBB) under Lama Padma Samten. Programs partnered with four federal universities and national museums across 6 states in Brazil. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche also participated in the 90th birthday celebrations in São Paulo. The events featured Sand Mandalas, public talks, and exhibitions, with special thanks to President Lama Rinchen Khyenrab and Tibet House Brasil’s board for their unwavering support.

Argentina: Organised by Lama Rinchen Kandro of Kagyu Tekchen Chöling, along with Gerardo Abboud (Khamgar Dongyuling) and Luis Barelier, Fundación Raudra Chakri, the programs combined Sand Mandalas, cultural performances, and public birthday celebrations, bringing together Buddhist communities and cultural enthusiasts.

Chile: Led by Fernando Salinas and Amigos del Tíbet Chile, with the support of Chilean Deputies, the events in Santiago and Arica featured Sand Mandalas, public talks, and exhibitions showcasing Tibet’s culture of nonviolence. The visit was further enhanced by the presence of Kalon Norzin Dolma, Minister of the CTA’s Department of Information and International Relations, from August 5 to 11, 2025. Her visit added political and diplomatic significance, reinforcing international awareness of Tibet and building partnerships in the region.

Colombia: Coordinated by the Centro de Meditación Budista Yamantaka, in collaboration with Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, and the Arcobaque Laguna de Ubaque (Cundinamarca), the programs blended Sand Mandalas, academic dialogues, cultural presentations, and birthday celebrations.

Costa Rica: Supported by the Lama Dorjee Foundation and Espacio Holístico Esfera, the events offered public teachings, community gatherings, and cultural performances.

Mexico: The tour culminated with Casa Tibet México, under Lama Tony Karam, together with Centro Loseling México, Ligmincha México, and other partners. Final events included Sand Mandalas, cultural presentations, and large-scale birthday celebrations. The tour concluded at the Cámara de Diputados in Mexico City on September 2, coinciding with Tibetan National Democracy Day, symbolically linking Tibet’s democratic achievements with Latin American values of freedom and solidarity.

The tour went beyond celebration. It reinforced Tibetan resilience in exile, the importance of preserving culture, and the values of compassion, unity, and service to humanity. By reaching thousands of participants across six countries, it strengthened Latin American support for Tibet’s nonviolent struggle and amplified the global relevance of His Holiness’s teachings.

The visit of Kalon Norzin Dolma to Chile underscored the political and diplomatic dimension of the celebrations, engaging with parliamentarians, universities, cultural institutions, and Tibetan supporters to promote awareness of Tibet’s cause and His Holiness’s global message.

The Office of Tibet, Latin America, expressed profound gratitude to Drepung Loseling Monastery (India), Drepung Loseling Center (Atlanta), the delegation of monks, and countless local partners and volunteers. Their dedication made the celebrations possible, ensuring that the Global Year of Compassion in Latin America became a meaningful tribute to His Holiness’s life and teachings.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Latin America