Paris: The Tibetan Community in France and the Regional Ghoton Organising Committee in Paris jointly organised a celebration the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for two days, from 5 July to and 6 July 2025.
On 5 July, a competition was held amongst the students of Tibetan weekend cultural and language school who volunteered in contest of essay writing, Tibetan calligraphy, drawing, and quiz on His Holiness’ life and achievements as well as elocution of His Holiness’ speeches in French. The top three excellent performers where awarded on the following day.
Around 1,000 celebrants partook in the festivities that lasted till 10 PM. It featured cultural performance of various Tibetan regions and many stalls of eateries and collectibles.
On 6 July, during the actual day of His Holiness’ birthday, the celebration was graced by the presence of French Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, President of International Information group on Tibet; Deputy Mayor of the Paris City Council, Jean Luc Romero Michel; member of the Paris City Council Genevieve Garrigos; Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie, Mayor of the 12th arrondissement in Paris; Agnes Pottier-Dumas, Mayor of Levallois-Perret; Jerome Karkulowski, Deputy Mayor of Mayor of Levallois-Perret; Francois Bechieau, Deputy Mayor of the 19th arrondissement; and Chairman of the French Buddhist Association Antony Boussemart, who is accompanied by Lama Trinley Gyatso, among others.
The programme commenced with the welcome speech by the President of the Tibetan Community in France, Pema Rinchen, followed by presentation of the Statements of Kashag and Tibetan Parliament in Exile by Coordinator Thupten Tsering of the Bureau du Tibet, Paris. He then reminded the audience on the importance of incorporating His Holiness’ teachings in one’s daily lives.
Thereafter, each of the distinguished guests addressed the gathering. Chief Guests Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio sliced the ceremonial birthday cake and cultural performances were presented by student of Tibetan weekend cultural and language school and other Tibetan groups.
At the same time, Coordinator Thupten Tsering collected annual Tibetan Chatrel (voluntary contribution) from 393 Tibetans.
A similar celebrations were also held in Toulouse and Bordeaux by the local Tibetan communities.
-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Paris
