Hollywood actor and long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, Richard Gere, was among those seated on the dais alongside the Tibetan spiritual leader. The event began with the playing of both the Tibetan and Indian national anthems. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered in large numbers
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama during the celebration of his 90th birthday at the Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Pic/PTI
Celebrations marking the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama are currently underway at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, as well as other dignitaries in attendance.
Hollywood actor and long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, Richard Gere, was among those seated on the dais alongside the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The event began with the playing of both the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, reported ANI. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered in large numbers to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely revered as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence, and interfaith harmony.
Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery in Panthaghati, near Shimla, to mark the occasion. The ceremony featured long-life prayers, symbolic offerings, and solemn rituals, led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten –recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche – the late head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. He also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the Dalai Lama’s continued good health and longevity.
Speaking about the significance of the day for the community, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence.
“As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,” Kunga Lama said.
“It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches,” he added.
The monk also stated that apart from prayers for the life of the Dalai Lama, the community is also offering prayers for Himachal Pradesh, which is reeling under floods, as well as for those suffering all around the world.
“We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it’s not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world,” he added.
Speaking of the young monk, Kunga Lama said, “The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope.”
The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in the village of Takster in north-eastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and given the name Tenzin Gyatso.
The term ‘Dalai Lama’ originates from Mongolian and means ‘Ocean of Wisdom’. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion — an enlightened being who reincarnates to serve all sentient beings.
Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. However, he was forced into exile in March 1959 after the suppression of the Tibetan uprising. Since then, he has lived in India along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate globally for peace, compassion, and non-violence.
For over six decades, His Holiness has been a tireless ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, interfaith harmony, and the values of compassion and peace, inspiring millions around the world.
Celebrations are being held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many expressing hope that the Dalai Lama’s lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the years to come.
(With ANI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
