Geneva: The Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein joyfully celebrated the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for two days from 5 July to 6 July 2025. The event reflected the deep spiritual connection, gratitude, and unity among the Tibetan diaspora.

The celebration began on the afternoon of July 5th with a warm welcome speech by Ngedun Gyatso, President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In his address, Gyatso expressed profound respect for His Holiness and highlighted the significance of this milestone celebration. A Long-Life Prayer Ceremony was then conducted by monks from Rikon Monastery, attended with deep reverence. The ceremony symbolised the community’s collective prayers for His Holiness’s continued health and long life.

A cultural highlight of the day was a Tibetan opera performance by the Swiss Folklore Group. This tribute served as a powerful reminder of the community’s efforts to preserve and promote Tibetan traditions in exile. As part of the custom, curd was served to guests—a traditional Tibetan symbol of purity and good fortune. The performers were presented with the appreciation certificates.

The main celebration commenced on July 6th, His Holiness’s official birthday, with a solemn procession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait to the throne, symbolising his spiritual presence. Monks from Rikon Monastery, led by the Abbot Venerable Tenzin Jangchup, presided over the Threefold Longevity Offering Ceremony. This was followed by the singing of the Tibetan national anthem and a minute of silence in memory of Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause. The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Thinlay Chukki, Representative of the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, Mario Fehr, Councilor of Zurich. Nicolas Walter, Maya Graf, Fabian Molina members of the Swiss Parliamentary Group for Tibet, Also in attendance were former members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, representatives of Tibetan support groups, NGOs, and members of various community associations.

Guests were served traditional Tibetan butter tea and sweet rice. President Ngedun Gyatso again addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural preservation. Remarks were also delivered by Abbot Tenzin Jangchup. Representative Thinlay Chukki addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and recent advocacy efforts at the United Nations. She extended birthday wishes on behalf of all Tibetans and expressed heartfelt thanks to supporters of the Tibetan cause.

Mr. Fabian Molina , Maya Graf and Mario Fehr shared their reflections on the enduring legacy of His Holiness, praising his lifelong message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Tenzin Choesang, staff of the Tibet Bureau Geneva, read the Kashag’s official statement honoring the occasion. The celebration included a ceremonial cake cutting and a birthday song performance by the Swiss folklore group Swiss Doegar. Attendees were also treated to an exhibition on the legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, presented by the Tibetan Translation and Research Institute.

Throughout the day, vibrant cultural performances by students from the Tibetan Weekend School and other Tibetan associations showcased the community’s dedication to preserving its rich heritage. The Best Student Certificates of the Tibetan Weekend School, under the Tibetan Community sections, were awarded by the Department of Education – CTA and presented to outstanding students by Representative Thinlay Chukki and Abbot Ven. Tenzin Jangchup la, in recognition of their academic excellence. In his closing remarks, Kangra Kelsang Namgyal, Vice President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, extended heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of the celebration, describing the event as both meaningful and memorable.

-Report filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva