A British Tibetan Community Celebration at the Tibetan Peace Garden, London
6 July 2025 | London | Tsering Passang
On Saturday, 5th July 2025, the serene surroundings of the Tibetan Peace Garden in London were transformed into a vibrant hub of spiritual celebration, unity, and cultural pride as nearly 1,000 people gathered to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and led by the UK Ghoton Subcommittee, the day-long event brought together members of the Tibetan, Bhutanese, Mongolian, and Himalayan communities from across the UK – including delegations from Scotland, Wales, Bristol, Brighton, Weston-Super-Mare, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bournemouth.
The celebration began with Sangsol – a traditional incense offering – and Buddhist prayers led by eminent monks and Sangha at the centre of the Tibetan Peace Garden, a living symbol of His Holiness’s legacy in the United Kingdom.
Distinguished guests included Mrs Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP; Cllr Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich; and Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark. Also in attendance were Mr Phuntsog Wangyal, His Holiness’s first Representative to the UK and the visionary behind the creation of the Tibetan Peace Garden, and Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile MP Samten Chodon from India.
The organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to Southwark Council for their cooperation in hosting this major public celebration in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, located in one of London’s most diverse and welcoming boroughs.
A Cultural Experience Beyond Celebration
In addition to the performances and speeches, the event offered an immersive cultural experience. A traditional Tibetan nomadic tent (ba) was erected on site by the artist Uygen Choephell from Bristol, inviting visitors to step inside and learn more about the way of life in the high plateau and the steppes. An exhibition on the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments – promoting human values, fostering religious harmony, preserving Tibetan culture and environment, and reviving ancient Indian knowledge – allowed attendees to engage deeply with his teachings and legacy.
Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant array of information and merchandise stalls, savoury cuisine from the “Roof of the World,” and cultural displays highlighting traditional crafts and values rooted in compassion and peace. A free bouncy castle added extra joy for children, making the celebration a family-friendly experience for all ages.
A Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama
An emotional address was delivered by Mrs Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, based at the Office of Tibet. The Tibetan diplomat highlighted the Dalai Lama’s lifetime contributions to the people of Tibet, the Buddhist world, and the global community. On 5th July, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama published the Tibetan spiritual leader’s special message for the occasion on its website:
“On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.
I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.
While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.
As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.
I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold:
As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.
Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.
Tashi Deleg and with prayers,
Dalai Lama”
Voices of Recognition and Tributes
Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, former leader of the Conservative Party and Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), gave one of the most impassioned tributes of the day. While honouring His Holiness, he reflected on the ongoing suffering of the Tibetan people under Chinese rule:
“On this special day, while I bring greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I cannot help but think of those in Tibet who do not have the freedoms that we are celebrating here today.
Over a quarter of a million Tibetan men are now in slave labour – put there by the Chinese government in an attempt to eradicate their traditions, their home life, and their very existence. I think of that brutality, and I pray today that they will one day live to see the freedom that the Tibetans here in the UK enjoy – and are celebrated by us.
Let us pray for that freedom, and for the goodness and the peace that His Holiness preaches every single day.
On this auspicious day, I bring greetings and congratulations to His Holiness – to have reached the age that he has, and looking as young as he has, and looking like he is going to continue for a very long time indeed.
I simply say – Happy Birthday, Your Holiness. On behalf of all my parliamentary colleagues, we offer our greetings, our hope, and our prayers for a free Tibet – and for the freedom of the people of Tibet to worship in peace.
And for the Dalai Lama – many years. When he departs, that tradition and that personage that he is shall carry on indefinitely, and the Tibetan people have the right to be like that forever.”
Earlier today, Sir Iain Duncan Smith tweeted on X account: “I attended the celebrations of the Dalai Lama 90th birthday who has been in exile since the Chinese took over Tibet. 250,000 Tibetan men are in forced, slave labour, China is a brutal occupier of Tibet and Tibetans fear China will eventually name a rival successor to the Dalai Lama, bolstering Beijing’s control over Tibet.”
Cllr Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, spoke of her borough’s enduring support for the Tibetan people:
“It is my honour to represent our Royal Borough as we come together to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama… On behalf of the people of the Royal Borough of Greenwich – and the people across the UK, really – may I sincerely offer the warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on this very special birthday. Tashi Delek. Happy Birthday!”
Mr Phuntsog Wangyal addressed the gathering by recalling his “honour and privilege of being the first Representative of His Holiness” in London from 1981 to 1986. He shared that he had the opportunity to participate in numerous public programmes with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where he witnessed him “speak tirelessly for world peace, promote harmony among different peoples and religions, and encourage the use of dialogue and non-violence as means to resolve conflicts.” He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt prayer that His Holiness’s aspirations may soon be fulfilled.
Mr Wangyal further reflected on the resilience of the Tibetan people, saying that the Dalai Lama had often spoken about “the courage of the Tibetan people: their courage to resist Chinese aggression, to stand firm against the suppression and oppression of their people, and to protect their culture from destruction.” He added, “Tibetans continue to dream of returning to a free Tibet, to live in peace and freely practise their traditions.”
Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark, welcomed the celebration to his borough with pride: “I am very delighted to join the Tibetan Community and admirers of the Dalai Lama in celebrating the Nobel Peace Laureate’s special anniversary in our wonderfully diverse borough of Southwark.”
A Community’s Deepest Reverence
Mr Phuntsok Norbu, Chair of the Tibetan Community in Britain, delivered a powerful speech reflecting the collective reverence of the British Tibetan community:
“We gather not only to mark a milestone in years, but to honour a lifetime of wisdom, compassion, resilience, and tireless dedication to peace and humanity. At 90, His Holiness remains a global symbol of hope, unity, and interfaith harmony.”
He noted that the Central Tibetan Administration has designated 2025 as the Year of Compassion, urging individuals around the world to embrace the Dalai Lama’s teachings of kindness, altruism, and ethical responsibility.
“This birthday is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to action for the future – to carry forward his message, live by his example, and build a world rooted in kindness and understanding.”
A Parliamentary Recognition
On 25th June, the UK Parliament passed Early Day Motion 1560, tabled by Chris Law MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. The cross-party motion recognised the Dalai Lama’s enduring spiritual and political leadership, and declared:
“It is for the people of Tibet and for those in the Tibetan diaspora to decide upon the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.”
The motion also marked the start of the Year of Compassion, acknowledging the Dalai Lama’s profound global contributions and the joyful celebrations taking place in Tibetan communities worldwide.
Celebration of the Heart
As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise community engagement, two dedicated IT specialists, Jamyang Dhondup and Tsering Dorjee, worked tirelessly over recent months to revamp the official website of the Tibetan Community in Britain. Their efforts culminated in the website’s official relaunch during the celebration, offering a fresh, user-friendly digital platform to showcase the community’s activities, heritage, and advocacy work. This milestone reflects the community’s commitment to digital outreach and preserving Tibetan identity in the modern era.
The day’s festivities concluded on a high note with vibrant cultural performances by Tibetan children and adults. The air was filled with the rhythm of traditional songs, music, and joyful dancing, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Guests gathered to share communal meals, further deepening the spirit of togetherness.
Artists and musicians from Mongolian, Himalayan, Uyghur, and Hong Kong communities joined in with moving musical tributes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, transforming the event into a powerful expression of solidarity, cross-cultural friendship, and shared values rooted in peace, freedom, and compassion.
As Mr Phuntsok Norbu poignantly stated:
“May His Holiness’s light continue to shine for generations to come.
May peace prevail in the world.
Long live His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.”
Photos: Tibetan Heritage (Londonney)
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 