Spirit of Tibet 2026: Celebrating Culture and Compassion

3–5 September 2026 | India International Centre, New Delhi

The Spirit of Tibet: Celebrating Culture and Compassion festival brought together Tibetan culture, heritage, spirituality, arts and contemporary experiences through seminars, lectures, films, exhibitions, performances, workshops and cultural activities organized by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration, in partnership with USAID, The Tibet Fund and the Foundation for Non-violent Alternatives, having collaborating with Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Norbulinka Institute, The Tibet Museum, Men-Tsee-Khang,  Monlam ai, Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery, Tibet House, Library of Tibetan Works and Archieve, Sherig Parkhang, White Line, Blackneck Books Publication, Pencil & Pixil Studio, Tenzing, Arapatsa Tattoo, Dolls 4 Tibet, Students for Free Tibet, Tibetan Women Association, Tibetan Youth Congress, V-TAG. the three-day festival brought together scholars, spiritual teachers, artists, writers, filmmakers and members of the public.

The Tibet Museum at the Festival

The Tibet Museum participated in the festival with the photo exhibition “India and Tibet: Ancient Ties and Current Bonds,” highlighting the longstanding historical, cultural and spiritual connections between India and Tibet. The Museum also presented “A Brief Biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama”, along with selected publications and educational materials.

Established in 1998 by the DIIR, CTA, The Tibet Museum documents, preserves and presents Tibet’s history, culture and contemporary situation through exhibitions, educational programmes, travelling museum initiatives and publications.

Programme Highlights

The festival opened with a prayer for world peace, Sangsol ceremony and traditional Namthar performance by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).

The programme explored a wide range of themes, including Tibet–India relations, the contribution of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to world peace, Tibetan Buddhism and science, Tibetan exile experiences, and Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Astro-Science. Lectures by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Ven. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche introduced audiences to Tibetan Buddhist approaches to meditation, happiness and wellbeing.

Visitors also experienced Tibetan living traditions through sand mandala creation, Mani stone carving, Tibetan calligraphy, wood painting, rug and apron weaving, traditional attire and contemporary Tibetan art. Tibetan publications, information booths and cultural displays further enriched the programme.

Sharing Tibet’s Story

For The Tibet Museum, participation in Spirit of Tibet 2026 provided an opportunity to engage with new audiences, share Tibet’s history and heritage, and highlight the enduring cultural and civilisational connections between India and Tibet.

The Museum remains committed to preserving, documenting and sharing Tibet’s history, culture and living heritage for present and future generations.