Tibetan and Himalayan Communities Celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday in New York
Queens, New York | July 6, 2025
Members of the Tibetan and Himalayan communities from New York and New Jersey came together over the weekend to commemorate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The two-day celebration, held on July 5 and 6 at Phuntsok Deshe – The Tibetan Community Center of New York and New Jersey in Queens, featured a rich program of spiritual ceremonies, cultural performances, and formal tributes. The event drew thousands of attendees, including local elected officials, diplomats, monastic leaders, and international guests, reflecting the enduring global reverence for His Holiness and the vibrant cultural presence of the Tibetan and Himalayan communities in the region.
Saturday’s program highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage through community-led performances. Traditional Tibetan and Himalayan dances, some performed in ceremonial masks and colorful robes were presented alongside folk dances by Sherpa and other Himalayan community members, including both youth and adults. The performances included devotional and seasonal songs, presented with traditional instruments and attire, evoking both reverence and celebration.
An art exhibition within the center showcased vivid thangka paintings, portraits of the Dalai Lama through the decades, and personal tributes honoring his lifelong spiritual and humanitarian mission. Visitors paused to read quotes, prayers, and stories reflecting his global influence and timeless message of compassion.
“This celebration is more than a birthday,” said Tashi Lhamo, a Tibetan-American college student. “It’s about who we are and what we want to preserve.”
On July 6, the celebration transitioned into a day of spiritual observance and formal proceedings. Organized by the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey, the event was held in the esteemed presence of Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche, who served as the chief guest. Special guests included Choekhor Rinpoche and Mr. Kunga Tashi, Tibetan Liaison Officer at the Office of Tibet. In his keynote address, Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche offered profound spiritual reflections in honor of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Choekhor Rinpoche and Mr. Kunga Tashi extended formal greetings and jointly presented the official message issued by the Kashag to mark the auspicious occasion.
The gathering was further enriched by the presence of heads and representatives from various Himalayan community organizations, along with other distinguished guests. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mr. Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City; Mr. Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; Council Member Julie Won; respected monastic figures; community leaders; and representatives from a wide range of Tibetan and Himalayan organizations.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the gathering, offering a personal reflection on how His Holiness has influenced his understanding of peace and meditation. “His Holiness has shown us the value of inner peace and reflection,” Mayor Adams said. “His message is deeply needed in today’s world.”
In a moving gesture of recognition, Mayor Adams officially proclaimed July 6 as Tibet Day in New York City, honoring both the teachings of His Holiness and the contributions of the Tibetan community to the cultural life of the city. The announcement was met with a standing ovation and chants of gratitude.
As part of the day’s ceremony, the unveiling of the “Little Tibet” poster took place—a visual tribute to the Queens neighborhoods that have become vibrant cultural hubs for Tibetan immigrants. The poster, adorned with images of temples, prayer flags, and community members, stood as a symbol of the diaspora’s resilience and enduring presence in New York.
A Message from theHis Holiness Dalai Lama
Broadcast via livestream from his residence in Dharamshala, India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering with his signature humility and warmth.
“I am just a simple Buddhist monk,” he said. “I don’t usually celebrate my birthday, but I deeply appreciate the love and prayers. True happiness comes from cultivating inner peace, compassion, and a good heart, not only toward friends, but toward everyone.”
His message reaffirmed his three lifelong commitments: the promotion of human values and compassion, interfaith harmony, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and India’s ancient contemplative traditions. With a gentle smile, he concluded his message with a revered verse from the 8th-century Indian master Shantideva:
“As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.”
The 90th birthday celebration served as both a tribute to the life and teachings of His Holiness and a reaffirmation of cultural pride and spiritual resilience for the Tibetan and Himalayan diaspora. In a time of global uncertainty, his message of compassion, nonviolence, and ethical living continues to resonate across generations and communities.
As the final chants and conch horns faded into the evening, the gathering in Queens stood not only as a birthday celebration but as a declaration of enduring identity, unity, and hope. Amid a world in flux, the Dalai Lama’s presence remains a steadfast light, and his words continue to guide the hearts of millions.
