Richard Gere joins the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday festivities

Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists have joined the Hollywood star in the Himalayan city of India in Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama.

The temples of the hill echoed with chants, while the dance troupes are performed with claning nods and bagpipes.

Actor Richard Gere, a longtime follower, joined other loyal to honor the leader of exile, revered as a defender of peace.

Gere climbed the podium of the festivities with a smile on his face to announce what a “joyful, joyful day” was “to celebrate this exceptional life”. He then hugged the Dalai Lama, who said he “fully embodied selflessness” and kissed his hand.