Geneva: On 11 July 2026, the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein celebrated the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama in Bülach, Switzerland.

The celebration was attended by Swiss National Councillor Katharina Prelicz-Huber as the chief guest, along with the Abbot of Rikon Monastery, Representative Thinlay Chukki of the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, former Members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and the President and Vice-President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Following the ceremonial procession and enthronement of the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the distinguished guests offered a mandala and the three auspicious representations of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind before the portrait.

The Swiss Tibetan Opera Troupe then led the gathering in the rendition of the Tibetan national anthem, after which a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the selfless martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

Led by the monks of Rikon Monastery, the gathering recited long-life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Words of Truth. A prayer service was also held in memory of the Tibetan hero Lobga Rangzen, who self-immolated on 2 July 2026 in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Addresses were delivered by chief guest National Councillor Katharina Prelicz-Huber, President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein Ngedun Gyatso, the Abbot of Rikon Monastery, and Representative Thinlay Chukki.

In her address, Representative Thinlay Chukki underscored the importance of preserving Tibet’s unique language and culture. She urged Tibetans to remember the immeasurable benevolence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and stressed the importance of fulfilling His Holiness’ aspirations and following his guidance.

The Representative also called upon the Tibetan community in exile to honour the sacrifice of Lobga Rangzen and all Tibetans who have self-immolated for the Tibetan cause, urging everyone to strengthen their commitment to the Tibetan struggle.

As part of the annual celebration, certificates of recognition from the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, were presented to outstanding students of the Tibetan Weekend Language Schools.

The programme concluded with cultural performances, including traditional songs and dances presented by the Tibetan Weekend Language Schools and local Tibetan NGOs in honour of His Holiness’ birthday. The Vice-President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the celebration to a successful conclusion.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva