Celebration of 88th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Switzerland

Bülach: Saturday, 08th July 2023; Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein organized 88th Birthday Celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Stadthalle, Bülach.

At about 12.45 pm started the main Ceremony by welcoming the Portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the altar on the stage with Dhung and Gyaling. Offering of Mandala to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his long Life and well being was done. Tibetan National Anthem led by Swiss Dhoekar (Tibetan Folklore Ensemble of Switzerland) followed by a minute of Silence for all the Martyrs of Tibet was observed.

After the prayer ceremony for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and well-being of all sentient being was led by the monastic community of Tibet Institute Rikon, Solcha and Dresil was offered to the Public.

After Tashi Sholpa which was performed by Tibetan Folklore Ensemble (Dhoekar) ,Gyashey was performed by Toepa Welfare association Switzerland followed by Dukchue Yangden by Dhoekar.

Dignitaries present on the ceremony includes Ven Thupten Legmen, Khen Rinpoche (Abbot of Rikon Tibet Institute); Ms.Thinley Choekyi Representative of Tibet Bureau, Geneva, Ms Namgyal Lhagyari,Chitue, member of tibetan parliament in exile,Dharamsala ; former Chitues; Mr Thomas Büchli, President of Swiss Tibetan Friendship association; Mr. Nik Gugger MP, Co-President oft he Parliamentary Group,Tibet, Representatives of various NGOs. More than 3000 people attended the Ceremony in high spirit and with devotion.

Ms. Karma Choekyi, President of Tibetan Community of Switzerland &Liechtenstein opened the Ceremony with a welcome Speech.

While addressing the gathering, Representative Thinlay Chukki stated a brief gist of Kashag’s statement on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday.

Ven Thupten Legmen, Abbot of Tibet Institute Rikon, Mr. MP Nik Gugger Co-president of the Parliamentary Group,Tibet,  they all spoke on the occasion and greeted the public.

Swiss Dhoekar,Tibetan Folklore Ensemble, three Provinces of  Tibet,( Dhotoe, Dhomey and Uetsang) ,Weekend Tibetan Language School Children, all the Associations and sections in the Switzerland performed varieties of lively cultural Programme on the auspicious occasion. Lively traditional dances were great entertainment to the Audience in the fully packed auditorium. Many from the audience were quick to appreciate the well-presented and apparent progress in presentations from the children of various Tibetan language schools.

The ceremony concluded successfully with the vote of thanks by Mr. Tenzin Wangdue, Vice President of Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

At the end the stage was open for Gorshay ( Tibetan Circle Dance) led by Nelung Tsering Topden, which lasted till 10.00pm.

6th July 2023: Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein organized tibetan Buddhist religious ceremony and offering prayers for good health and longevity of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Rikon Tibet Institute.

The Programme began at 9.30 am at Rikon Tibet Institute. A portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was brought inside the Temple and placed on the throne, from where His Holiness gave teachings during his earlier visits in Rikon Tibet Institute. Chanting of Buddhist prayers and rituals offerings were led by Khen Rinpoche and Monks. The people and the dignitaries prayed for his Holiness the Dalai Lama`s long life and for the wellbeing of all sentient beings.

The guests and the devotees offered Khatak to the Portrait of His Holiness and received blessing. The religious ceremony was successfully ended with a Sangsol (Incense Offering) led by Khen Rinpoche and the monks.

In the evening on the same day, Gorshay (Tibetan Circle Dance) was organized by Tibetan Youth Association in Europe at Platzspitz Zürich.

Tibetans all around the world celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama`s 88th Birthday with full swing and joy.

Nyima Arya

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