Tibetans Celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th Birthday in Dharamshala

Tibetans gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard in Dharamshala to commemorate the 89th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Distinguished guests graced the event, including the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, and other dignitaries. The celebration featured speeches, well-wishes, and cultural performances, highlighting His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause and global humanitarian efforts. Despite His Holiness’s absence due to knee replacement surgery in the U.S., the festivities honored his teachings and impact worldwide.

The primary celebrations occurred at the Tsuglagkhang temple within the complex where the spiritual leader resides. Tibetan and Buddhist flags adorned the poles and railings. A volunteer distributed Indian sweets to exiled Tibetan Buddhist nuns, while teachers assisted children with their makeup in preparation for traditional dances. Inside the temple, a colorful three-tiered cake was cut, accompanied by schoolchildren singing, ‘Happy Birthday His Holiness. Artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, dressed in traditional attire, played drums and marched with bagpipes, eliciting cheers and applause from the crowd. Indian and Tibetan flags were raised, and the band played both national anthems.