His Holiness’ 70th Birthday Celebrations in Switzerland
Geneva, 12 July 2005 (Office of Tibet, Geneva)- The Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein held His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 70th birthday celebrations on Saturday, 9th July. Over 2300 Tibetans and friends joined the day-long joyous gathering.
In the morning at Rikon Monastery, the Abbot Ven. Tenzin Phuntsok led the prayers with live ritual music by monks of Shelkar Monastery in Nepal for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama followed by Sangsol, hoisting prayer flags and offering of incense burning ceremony and a yak dance by the Swiss Tibetan Community’s Dance and Music Association (Swiss Dhoeghar Tshogpa)..
The day-long celebrations were held at Turbenthal near Zurich – opening with the offering of scarfs to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the traditional performance of auspicious dance, Tashi Sholpa by the Swiss Tibetan Community’s Dance and Music Association (Swiss Dhoeghar Tshogpa).
Kalon Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, Minister for International Relations and Finance was the chief guest.
There were many colourful presentations of Tibetan cultural dances and songs by associations representing the three Cholkas of Tibet, various organizations like the Tibetan Women’s Association, School Groups, Toepa, Kongpo and Tsari Welfare Associations, and the Nangma Musical Group.
These performances were followed with very adept presentation of several cultural items by Swiss Dhoeghar Tshogpa.
There has been a marked interest, enthusiasm and all round improvement in the various performances, especially among the young school children. These have been made possible largely because of young Tibetans visiting Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA) Dharamsala, for extended training and also the visit of senior artistes from Dharamsala to teach enthusiastic and talented members of the Tibetan community in Switzerland.
In fact, TIPA is visiting Switzerland again from July 29 till August 4, 2005.
The key speakers were Ven. Phuntsok Tashi, Abbot of Rikon Monastery, Kalon Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, Mr. Mario Fehr, President of the Swiss Parliamentary Group for Tibet, Mr. Sangling Tsering Dorjee, MP, Chitui from Europe, Mr. Chhime R. Chhoekyapa, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The speakers highlighted the significance of the auspicious occasion, the unique leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his efforts towards finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of Tibet and contribution towards promoting peace, harmony and friendship in the world.
One of the speakers also applauded the success and cohesiveness of the Tibetan community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein where over 3000 Tibetans live – largest in Europe. He said Tibetans in Switzerland have become models for other communities as well.
14 Tibetan soccer teams (Senior and Junior) from across Switzerland took part in a tournament on this auspicious day. In the senior section, Potala Oldies team were the winners with Potala Juniors team, the runner up. In the junior section, Lhasa Kickers were the winners
The daylong happy celebrations concluded with Mr. Tsering Topten Nelung leading the circle dance, Gorshey, late into the night.