Event kicks off celebration of Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday

[ad_1] DHARAMSALA, INDIA — The Dalai Lama mentioned there could be a “structured framework” for his succession and mirrored on a “profoundly purposeful and deeply fulfilling” life as religious and administrative leaders gathered on Monday to start celebrations for his ninetieth birthday.

Video: Occasion kicks off celebration of Dalai Lama’s ninetieth birthday “All through my life, I've labored for the welfare of the Tibetan individuals, preservation of the Dharma, and for the happiness of all,” he mentioned. “I imagine this human lifetime of mine has served the entire of mankind and I stay dedicated to dedicating the remainder of it, too, for the well-being of all.”

The occasion happened on a fog-veiled monsoon morning within the courtyard of the Fundamental Temple in Dharamsala, adorned with sacred conventional thangkas, or work, contemporary garland choices and derkha, or particular choices on the Tibetan New 12 months.

<img src="https://www.rfa.org/resizer/v2/CIBKZFF3UVBAPEI27BFFMF46NI.JPG?auth=77f44e9a4f948e1665df15937a0f96a1e138c63a97683b5474024de50c2b9285&smart=true&width=1500" alt="A dance is performed as Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, seated rear right, at the Main Temple in Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025, as celebrations begin in the days leading up to his 90th birthday on July 6. " height="4672" width="1500" /> A dance is carried out as Tibetan religious chief the Dalai Lama, seated rear proper, on the Fundamental Temple in Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025, as celebrations start within the days main as much as his ninetieth birthday on July 6. (Tenzin Woser/RFA Tibetan) Round 8,000 individuals attended the occasion on the temple and in overflow places, organizers instructed RFA. Friends included religious leaders from the main Tibetan Buddhist sects and representatives of different Buddhist and spiritual traditions, plus the leaders of the Central Tibetan Administration, administrative employees and members of monastic communities.

Organizers offered the Dalai Lama with an award, The Peerless Trainer of the twenty first Century, lauding his service. Additionally they carried out a ceremonial long-life providing, wishing the religious chief continued good well being.

The occasion was the primary in a sequence of ceremonies marking the Dalai Lama’s birthday, which is Sunday. A high-level assembly of religious heads from the main Buddhist sects will happen from Wednesday by Friday, adopted by ceremonial occasions and celebrations that can kick off a “12 months of Compassion” occasion sequence, with packages scheduled throughout the globe.

An announcement is anticipated on the Dalai Lama’s succession, doubtlessly stemming from the conferences this week. He made a short reference to succession plans throughout immediately’s birthday occasion, saying “there might be a structured framework for the long run continuation of the Dalai Lamas’ establishment in occasions to come back,” however providing no additional particulars.

<img src="https://www.rfa.org/resizer/v2/YF5CGUOLNZGHXLWBYCJ6GJICJM.JPG?auth=d4732336e093c4db470d288118ba4cf191b94f7727451ce073a1d88894756546&smart=true&width=1500" alt="Actor Richard Gere speaks with Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche at the Main Temple in Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025, as celebrations begin in the days leading up to the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6. " height="3095" width="1500" /> Actor Richard Gere speaks with Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche on the Fundamental Temple in Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025, as celebrations start within the days main as much as the Dalai Lama’s ninetieth birthday on July 6. (Tenzin Woser/RFA Tibetan) Reporting by Dawa Dolma, edited by Greg Barber