Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday celebrated across Himachal Pradesh with prayers and cultural events

The Tibetan community in Himachal Pradesh celebrated the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with special prayers, traditional cultural performances and ceremonies, drawing thousands of devotees, local residents and international supporters.

While the main birthday celebrations were held at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, where the Dalai Lama is currently visiting, major events were also organised at the Tsuglagkhang Monastery in McLeod Ganj near Dharamshala, the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The programme at the monastery began with the Indian and Tibetan national anthems, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting. Tibetan artists presented traditional performances, while senior leaders of the Tibetan exile community highlighted the Dalai Lama's lifelong commitment to peace, compassion and non-violence.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hem Raj Bairwa attended the celebrations as the chief guest. Thousands of Tibetans, local residents and visitors from different countries participated in the event, offering prayers and paying tribute to the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his greetings to the Dalai Lama, describing him as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and universal human values.

In his message, Sukhu said the Dalai Lama's teachings continue to inspire people across the world to embrace love, harmony and selfless service. He added that the spiritual leader's presence in Himachal Pradesh has given the state international recognition as a centre of peace and spirituality.

Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village in Tibet's Amdo region, the Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamshala since 1959 after fleeing Tibet. His teachings and advocacy for peace continue to attract followers from around the world.