Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Rome celebrate His Holiness’ 75th birthday[Wednesday, 14 July 2010, 10:47 a.m.]

Tibetans offer prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life on the occasion of his 75th birthday in Bulach, Switzerland

Bulach, Switzerland:
Over 2000 Tibetans attired in their best traditional Tibetan costumes
gathered in Bulach, Switzerland, to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai
Lama’s 75th birthday on 10 July, which was organised by the Tibetan
Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The ceremony began
with the enthronement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait,
followed by prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
which was led by monks from the Rikon Tibetan Monastery. The stage was
bedecked with a large a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama gazing
from Potala palace, which was specially made for the occasion.Following the one-and-half hours of prayer, auspicious ceremonial dances like Tashi Shopa, Gyashey and Lingdro were performed. The
president of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
the two Chithus based in Europe and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
Representative addressed the Tibetans. They highlighted His Holiness
the Dalai Lama’s biography and leadership and called on fellow Tibetans
to follow the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A staff of The
Bureau read out the Kashag’s statement.A group of artists
including schoolchildren presented a series of new and old Tibetan
songs and dances in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.The programme
ended around midnight.

Earlier on
6 July 2010, over 200 Tibetans gathered at the Tibetan Institute in
Rikon to offer prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life. The
monks at the Rikon monastery led the prayers, which was followed by Sangsol (incense burning ceremony).The
celebration in Rome on 5 July was organised by Gaden Jangtse Federation
of Europe. It was held in one of the Italian Parliament’s meeting halls
in Rome, where over 120 people attended the festive occasion.The
monks of the Gaden Jangtse Monastery chanted prayers for His Holiness
the Dalai Lama’s long life. In his address, Mr Tseten Samdup
Chhoekyapa, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in
Geneva, spoke on the remarkable life history of His Holiness and
highlighted his three commitments in life.He also spoke about the unique bond of faith and trust between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.–Report filed by The Tibet Bureau, Geneva