Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile gathered at Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla in Panthaghati on Sunday morning to offer prayers and celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The day was marked with heartfelt rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten — recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. As part of the celebrations, the young monk also cut a ceremonial cake, and offered blessings and prayers for the Dalai Lama’s continued good health and long life.
Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama shared the deep significance of the occasion. “As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,” he added.
He further said, “It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches.”
Kunga Lama said, "We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world."
Reflecting on the presence of the boy monk, he said, “The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in the village of Takster in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was officially installed as Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader in 1940 and named Tenzin Gyatso.
The title "Dalai Lama," which means "Ocean of Wisdom" in Mongolian, refers to the incarnations of Avalokiteshvara — the Bodhisattva of Compassion — in Tibetan Buddhism.
After the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. Following the 1959 uprising, he fled to India and has lived in exile ever since, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees.
For over 60 years, the Dalai Lama has been a global symbol of peace, non-violence, and compassion — a spiritual guide for people of many faiths. His teachings continue to inspire millions across the world.
Across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, his 90th birthday was celebrated with love and devotion — along with quiet hope that his legacy and spiritual lineage will continue through future reincarnations.
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