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The Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday, drawing thousands of followers, global dignitaries, and celebrities to the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj. The Tibetan spiritual leader's residence since fleeing from China in 1959. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Wearing a traditional robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was escorted to the temple courtyard by monks as Tibetan artists played drums, cymbals, and bagpipes in his honour. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Despite persistent rain, hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns gathered to witness the celebration, which capped a week of events marking the birthday. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Tibetan government-in-exile leader Penpa Tsering raised the Tibetan flag while musicians performed the Tibetan anthem. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
In an address on Sunday, the 14th Dalai Lama — Tenzin Gyatso — described himself as a “simple Buddhist monk.” But to millions of Tibetan Buddhists, he is revered as the living manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The weeklong celebration was laced with significance as the Dalai Lama addressed long-standing questions about his succession. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
He reaffirmed that he would reincarnate, saying his successor should be recognized based on traditional Buddhist practices. He said his Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise his successor as per Tibetan traditions. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
He has previously stated that his reincarnation would take place in the “free world” — outside of China. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has reiterated that only Beijing has the authority to approve his successor.
The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in exile have expressed concern that China may attempt to install its candidate to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
On Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he hopes to live for another 30-40 years, till the age of 130. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju was among the dignitaries at the celebration. Earlier this week, Rijiju said that only the Dalai Lama and the institution he set up have the authority to identify his successor. China strongly noted his objection India's "interference".(Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The birthday was attended by the representatives of various Tibetan Buddhist sects, school children, dancers and singers from different countries, and Buddhists from across the world, reported PTI.
Political leaders from here and abroad also shared the canopied space, as per PTI, admiring the Dalai Lama and his continuing commitment to global peace and religious harmony.
Speaking at the ceremony, seated in front of a nine-tier cake, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso said that it is the love of the people that motivates him to continue on the path of serving all sentient beings.
He added that the people did not come for his birthday out of obligation, but with a deep sense of reverence.
