Thousands gathered in Dharamshala, India, on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, marking a major milestone for the revered spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate.
Known for his message of compassion and advocacy for greater freedoms in Tibet under Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama was honored amid heavy monsoon rains and thick fog, as attendees packed narrow streets and waited for a glimpse of him at the Tsuklakhang Tibetan Buddhist complex.
Despite the inclement weather, the temple filled to capacity early in the day, leaving many hopeful attendees waiting outside under tight security.
Inside, the Dalai Lama was welcomed with traditional music and masked dancers in colorful attire.
Indian ministers and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter, also joined the festivities.
The courtyard was filled with singing performances as the Dalai Lama, flanked by attendants, was served a birthday cake topped with fruit and a white lily.
The celebration capped a days-long event that drew supporters and religious leaders to the Himalayan city that has been the Dalai Lama’s home since he fled Tibet after a failed 1959 uprising.
Among the international attendees was Namgyal Dorjee Gongpa, 49, from New Jersey, who traveled with his family. “This is a very momentous occasion for myself and my family,” he told CNN. “Every year, we take trips to India… so that my kids who are born in a foreign country… get back to their roots… This is a great occasion because we can all take part in the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.”
In a birthday message on X, the Dalai Lama reiterated his dedication to promoting compassion, peace of mind, religious harmony, ancient Indian wisdom, and Tibetan culture.
He emphasized the value these traditions hold for the world. At a separate ceremony the day before, he reassured supporters of his good health and raised his longevity prediction to 130 years.
Sunday’s events also provided the Dalai Lama a platform to address the sensitive topic of his succession. In a video message earlier in the week, he announced there will be a successor and affirmed that only his office has the “sole authority” to recognize the next Dalai Lama, stating, “No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.”
The message was well received by Tibetan Buddhists, many of whom had been waiting for clarity on whether the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue after his death.
Tenzin Nyidon, 26, from Odisha, said, “I feel that he has thoughtfully considered the future… and not by any external political interference,” while also warning against China’s efforts to politicize the process.
Tibetan Buddhists believe in rebirth, and that an enlightened master like the Dalai Lama can determine the place and time of his reincarnation through prayer and compassion.
However, experts expect China will attempt to install its own Dalai Lama as part of efforts to “sinicize” religion and maintain control over Tibet.
The Dalai Lama has previously said his successor will be born outside China in the “free world,” urging followers to reject any candidate picked by Beijing.
When asked about his reincarnation plans, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its long-standing position that such matters must comply with Chinese laws and be approved by the central government.
While Beijing continues to brand the Dalai Lama a separatist, the spiritual leader has since the 1970s advocated for “meaningful” autonomy rather than independence. His “middle way” approach has garnered global support and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
With age limiting his global travel, the Dalai Lama’s influence has seemingly declined in recent years. He last met a sitting US president in 2016 with Barack Obama, after a history of White House visits since 1991. Still, heartfelt birthday tributes from world leaders and celebrities were compiled in a video by Tibet TV and played at the celebration.
Among the well-wishers, Obama called him “the youngest 90-year-old I know” and said, “You’ve shown generations what it means to practice compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity. Not bad for someone who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent messages, praising his life of moral leadership and affirming support for Tibetans’ rights to choose their spiritual leaders.