Amsterdam [Netherlands], July 18 (ANI): In a vibrant celebration of Tibetan resilience, culture, and faith, the Tibetan community in the Netherlands marked the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with a grand two-day event in Amsterdam from 8 to 9 July 2025, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported.

The festivities brought together nearly 1,000 Tibetans from across the Netherlands, united in their devotion and solidarity. The celebration began with a traditional enthronement ceremony of Dalai Lama's portrait, led by local monks and community leaders, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting by Norbu Tsering, President of the Netherlands Tibetan Community. The community then shared traditional sweet rice, symbolising joy and spiritual unity, CTA reported.

Also Read | Amazon Layoffs Continue: US-Based E-Commerce Giant Cuts Unspecified Numbers of Employees From AWS Cloud Computing Unit, Says Will Support Affected During Transition.

Preceding the two-day event, on 6 July, a public gathering was held at Dam Square featuring an interfaith event with representatives from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Speakers from each faith emphasised compassion, tolerance, and peace, principles long championed by the Dalai Lama. A symbolic "Peace Cycle" rally through central Amsterdam and a "Lunch of Compassion", featuring traditional Tibetan dishes like Tingmo and Tsel-Momo, further underscored themes of generosity and harmony, according to CTA.

Cultural activities such as Tibetan circle dances and indoor games were performed throughout the event, offering a lively display of Tibet's enduring cultural heritage in exile, a heritage that continues to be suppressed in Chinese-occupied Tibet.

Also Read | Did Andy Byron Quote Coldplay's 'Fix You' in His Apology? Know Truth Behind the Fake Statement Attributed to Astronomer CEO Amid Viral Affair Allegations With Kristin Cabot.

In a notable gesture of commitment to the Tibetan cause, Tenzin Nordhen, Accountant of the Office of Tibet in Brussels, collected Green Book Chatrel contributions from around 300 attendees, each donation a symbolic act of support for the Tibetan freedom movement, CTA stated.

The event was supported by ICT Netherlands and the Tibet Support Group Netherlands, whose presence reinforced international solidarity with the Tibetan people.

The Amsterdam gathering was more than a birthday celebration; it was a peaceful but powerful reaffirmation of Tibetan identity, compassion, and resistance against decades of Chinese oppression. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)