His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's birthday celebration became the cynosure of all eyes at New Farm Park, Brisbane

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The Tibetan Community of Queensland celebrated 85th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Saturday this week around New Farm park riverside. The 70-100 strong small, but closely knitted Tibetan members gathered around 12 pm celebrating the birthday till 5pm as more joined.

The day began with a prostration by members to His Holiness's portrait followed by recitation of prayers for 'Gyelway Shapten' ('Long Life) and chanting of mantra ‘Om Mani Pay Mi Hum’.

The little children whom the Tibetans call ‘future seeds of Tibet’ gathered with folded hands in their traditional attire  as a sign of deep respect in front of a white cake adorned with letters “Happy 85th Birthday Your Holiness” wishing His Holiness happy birthday in both Tibetan and English in the backdrop of huge portrait of H.H the 14th Dalai Lama in a makeshift altar as locals in the vicinity watched in awe. 

The members then engaged in different games in different groups as they pleased. However, as they gathered for the circle dance to the tune of their traditional songs, locals around begin to watch in awe as they were mesmerised by the twin sight of unique dance and attires, becoming a showstopper for the people walking and picnicking in the vicinity. Some Tibetans even came all the way from Gold Coast for the celebration as New Farm park is well known for a celebratory spot amongst Tibetans in Queensland. 

Tibetans celebrating HH Dalai Lama birthday in new farm park is reminiscent of Tibetans who undertook same celebration inside Tibet in the open park until the Chinese government restriction came place. 

The Tibetans also thanked Australia for providing residency reflecting gratitude to Australian people and government. At the same time, an environment cleaning drive was undertaken, despite the surrounding being clean to collect garages in the vicinity of the park to follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice on environmental ethics at the end of the day before winding up. 

Though H.H Dalai Lama’s birthday is on 6 July, COVID 19 restrictions and other health precautionary measures in the state resulted in the postponement of the celebration. Tibetans in over more than 25 countries around the world celebrated H.H Dalai Lama’s birthday except inside Tibet where it has been criminalised.
Tibetan Children wishing HHDL 'Happy Birthday'
Members engaged in prayers 

Members prostrating before HHDL portrait 
pile of garages collected from the park



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