Exiled Tibetans Celebrate Dalai Lama’s 89th Birthday in Dharamshala

Hundreds of exiled Tibetans gathered in the hillside town of Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the 89th birthday of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama.

The main celebrations took place in the Tsuglagkhang temple where the Dalai Lama resides, with Tibetan and Buddhist flags decorating the area.

Volunteers distributed Indian sweets to exiled Tibetan Buddhist nuns, while children were helped with their make-up for traditional dances.

Schoolchildren sang «Happy Birthday His Holiness» as a colorful three-tiered cake was cut inside the temple.

Artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, dressed in traditional attire, played the drums and marched with bagpipes, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Indian and Tibetan flags were hoisted as the national anthems were played, with Tibetan and Indian officials in attendance.

The Dalai Lama was absent from the celebrations, currently in the U.S. for a knee replacement, as confirmed by his secretary.

Penpa Tsering, the president of the Tibetan government-in-exile, announced several events to commemorate the Dalai Lama’s achievements throughout the year.

China does not recognize the exiled Tibetan government and has not engaged in dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 2010.

Last month, a group of U.S. lawmakers visited the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala, triggering a strong response from China.

The Dalai Lama emphasizes he is not a separatist but advocates for autonomy and the protection of Tibet‘s native Buddhist culture.

India considers Tibet as part of China but hosts Tibetan exiles in Dharamshala.