Thousands turn out to celebrate Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday

Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists entered the Himalayan city of India in Dharamasla on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama.

The scorch monsoon rains did not suppress the spirits, as the Tibetan spiritual leader appeared in traditional clothes and a flowing yellow sheath, a smile and walking with the help of two monks.

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

Indian ministers, longtime followers, including Hollywood actor Richard Gere and thousands of loyal ones, gathered in honor of the exile leader, 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.

Sunday festivities mark the culmination of a week of long -life prayers, which began on Monday, brought in line with his birthday at the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.

At a ceremony on Saturday, the Dalai Lama assured her followers in her “great physical condition” and said she would live another 40 years – up to 130 – two decades after his previous forecast.

Although he said he usually avoids birthday celebrations, the Dalai Lama thanked the followers for using the occasion to think about calm and compassion. He referred to himself as a “simple Buddhist monk” and said he had no regret until he looked at his life at 90.

“Although it is important to work for the development of the material, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind by raising a good heart and through compassionate not only to loved ones, but also to everyone,” he said in his birthday message.

This week, the Dalai Lama confirmed plans for an heir, leaving years of speculation about whether the 600-year-old institution would end with it.

According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama reincarnates after death – a process deeply rooted in spiritual customs, not political authority.

Living in exile from the escape of Chinese government in 1959, the Dalai Lama had previously stated that its reincarnation would be held in the “free world”, which means outside China.

But Beijing, who considers him a separatist, quickly rejected his authority to identify an heir.

Chinese officials insist that every sequence must comply with Chinese laws, religious rituals and historical conventions – and ultimately be approved by the Beijing government.

The announcement has resurrected fears among Tibetans in exile that China will try to name an heir to tighten control of Tibet, the region it occupies in 1950 and has since ruled.

The Dalai Lama has long been leading the Tibetan Diaspora in their struggle for autonomy and resistance to Chinese domination.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished her birthday wishes on Sunday, calling him “a lasting symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.”

Former US President Barack Obama also sent greetings, calling him “the youngest 90-year-old I know” and thanked him for his friendship.