Dharamshala: On 22 June 2025, approximately 1,000 celebrants—including Tibetans, members of the Himalayan community, and Western followers—gathered at the Phuntsok Deshi Tibetan Community Hall in New York to celebrate the 41st birthday of Kyabgon 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The event was organised by the Karmapa Service Society.

The celebration was graced by chief guest Chokhor Rinpoche, Abbot of Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center, and special guest Kunga Tashi, Tibetan Liaison Officer at the Office of Tibet in Washington, D.C. Also in attendance were former Justice Commissioner Ngawang Rabgyal, former Tibetan Parliamentarian Ngawang Tharpa, the Presidents of the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey, the United Bhutanese Association in New York, the America Nepal Society, and representatives from the wider Himalayan community.

The ceremony commenced with monks performing ritual offerings and prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche. Attendees joined together in prayers for the continued flourishing of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa’s noble activities. A ceremonial birthday cake was then cut and distributed among the participants.

Tibetan Liaison Officer Kunga Tashi delivered a commemorative speech, followed by Chokhor Rinpoche, who praised the Gyalwang Karmapa’s tireless efforts in promoting world peace, environmental stewardship, healthcare initiatives, and the preservation of Tibetan religion and culture. Other distinguished guests also addressed the gathering, offering heartfelt wishes and acknowledging the Karmapa’s inspiring contributions.

In honour of the Gyalwang Karmapa—currently residing in Germany—students from various North America-based Tibetan weekend cultural schools presented vibrant traditional performances. Cultural groups from participating associations also contributed to the celebration with their own artistic presentations.

Trinley, Director of the Karmapa Service Society, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the organising committee, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their support and participation.

The event concluded with a special recitation of prayers by students of the Sherpa Cultural School, in memory of the late Kyabje Menri Yongdzin Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche.

-Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentarian Kunga Sotop