To commemorate the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists descended to Dharamshala, a town in the Himalayas of India, on Sunday. When the Tibetan spiritual leader emerged wearing traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, smiling and walking with the help of two monks, the spirits were unfazed by the fierce monsoon rains.
Chants filled the hilltop temples, as dancing groups played bagpipes and banging cymbals. The exiled leader, who is regarded as a peace champion, was honoured by hundreds of followers, Indian officials, and long-time supporters including Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
With a smile on his face, Gere stood at the stage to announce that it was a “joyous, joyous day” “to celebrate this extraordinary life.” After saying that the Dalai Lama “totally embodies selflessness,” he hugged him and kissed his hand. The celebrations on Sunday are the end of a week of prayers for long life that started on Monday, which coincided with his birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.
The Dalai Lama assured supporters during a ceremony on Saturday of his “excellent physical condition” and predicted that he would live for a further 40 years, reaching 130 years, which is 20 years longer than he had previously anticipated.
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