Tibetans, Friends from Himalayan Communities, and International Guests Gather in Kathmandu to Celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 91st BirthdayKathmandu, 6 July 2026: Around 700 members of the Tibetan community, international guests, and friends from Himalayan communities gathered at Namgyal Higher Secondary School in Kathmandu to celebrate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (according to the Western calendar). The event was organised by the Office of Tibet, Nepal, with the assistance of the Birthday Celebration Organising Committee.Khenpo Jampa Lobsang Rinpoche of Kyirong Tsering Chöling Nunnery attended the celebration as the chief guest. Distinguished guests included representatives of several embassies in Nepal, officials from the UNHCR’s refugee office in Nepal, representatives of a Nepal-based human rights organisation, members of Himalayan Buddhist communities, current and former Tibetan parliamentarians, current and former officials of local Tibetan settlement administrations, incumbent Tibetan settlement officers, chairpersons of Local Tibetan Assemblies, the chair of the regional Bod Rangwang Denpai Legul, the director and staff of the Snowlion Foundation, generous donors, principals and senior teachers of Tibetan schools, and representatives of monasteries and community organisations. Around 700 people attended the celebration.The ceremony commenced with a traditional procession carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accompanied by the ceremonial drums and cymbals of the school’s band. The Nepal Tibetan Opera Association performed the traditional Tashi Sholpa dance, while the Nepal Tehor Welfare Association presented snow lion and yak dances throughout the procession.Due to restrictions imposed by the local security authorities this year, the Tibetan national anthem could not be sung. Likewise, the customary reading and distribution of statements from the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile could not take place.The gathering, however, paid tribute to the late Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen for his sacrifice and offered prayers by reciting The Words of Truth in his memory.During the celebration, Karma Gyaltsen, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, Nepal, delivered a birthday address to the invited guests and the public. Cultural performances were then presented by the Nepal Tibetan Opera Association and students from various Tibetan schools.Following a vote of thanks delivered by Jawalakhel Tibetan Settlement Officer Tashi Dorjee, the gathering concluded with the singing of Ki Sö Lha Gyalo (“Victory to the Gods”), bringing the celebration to a successful close despite the prevailing local circumstances. – Report filed by Office of Tibet, Kathmandu