The 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, was celebrated with great reverence and joy at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Indian Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan), along with Hollywood actor Richard Gere and several international dignitaries.
The celebration began with the playing of the Indian and Tibetan national anthems, followed by prayers and cultural performances to honour the Dalai Lama’s life, teachings, and global legacy as a beacon of peace, compassion, and interfaith harmony.
Across the region, monks and devotees offered prayers for his long life. At Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla, Tibetan monks in exile led solemn rituals and offerings. A symbolic highlight was the participation of Nawang Tashi Rapten, a young boy monk recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, former head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. He performed long-life prayers and ceremonially cut a cake for the Dalai Lama.
Speaking at the event, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama said, “The Dalai Lama is not just a spiritual figure. He is the embodiment of Tibetan identity and a global voice for compassion. His teachings are a guide to humanity.”
Born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at age two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama and enthroned in 1940 under the name Tenzin Gyatso. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he assumed full political leadership in 1950 and fled to India in 1959 after the Tibetan uprising.
For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India, continuing his advocacy for peace, non-violence, religious tolerance, and Tibetan autonomy. He is globally celebrated as a Nobel Peace Laureate and a symbol of hope for millions.
Celebrations were also held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, as followers and admirers expressed their gratitude and prayed for the continuation of the Dalai Lama’s spiritual lineage through a recognised reincarnation in the future.
