Global Celebrations as the Dalai Lama Turns 79

By Annie Padwick / July 14, 2014;

Traditional dances were performed by Tibetan students at Tsuglakhang, Dharamshala.
Photo: Tibet.net

Tibetans, Tibetan Buddhists and followers of the Dalai Lama have come together to celebrate his Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 79^th birthday on July 6. The Dalai Lama spent the day delivering teachings on empowerment at the 33^rd Kalachakra Initiations in Leh, in India, but the auspicious day was celebrated by many people around the world.

The Dalai Lama was met with congratulations and well-wishes as he entered the Pavilion in Leh to deliver teachings. Addressing the 100,000 strong crowd he said “Today, here in Leh, people of Ladakh, Tibetans and visitors from abroad are making prayers for my well-being. You are joined by many others who are not here, especially people in Tibet who have a special connection with me, many of whom are not allowed to express their faith and support; I greet all of you. In Mongolia, Russia and Taiwan, and even quietly in mainland China, I believe celebrations are taking place; I thank everyone taking part.” Sikyong said that the Kashag (cabinet) is observing 2014 as the “Year of the Great 14^th Dalai Lama” and his 80^th birthday by the Tibetan calendar (which falls on June 21 in 2015) will be observed with a life offering to His Holiness.

In Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama’s home town, the occasion was marked by an official gathering of around 5,000 people at Tsuglakhang, the main Temple courtyard, attended by the 17^th Karmapa, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and State Minister Mr G S Bali. A music and poetry evening was also held at the Tibetan Medicine and Astrological Institute.

Celebration in Jwalakhel, Nepal on July 6.
Photo: Tibet.net

In Kathmandu, Nepal, over 3,000 people and high profile guests gathered at the Jwalakhel, the Tibetan community and handicraft centre, to listen to talks and watch Tibetan cultural performances. In Russia, prayers were offered in a number of cities, with dances and singing performances in the capital. A thousand Tibetans and supporters joyfully celebrated despite the rain in Paris, with singing, dancing and traditional performances by the Tibetan community. Meanwhile in the United States, Tibetan communities gathered at Fort Washington State Park to chant prayers, place khatak (white scarves) next to the Dalai Lama’s photo, sing happy birthday and eat cake. Few events were also held in London to celebrate the birthday of the Dalai Lama.

Tibetans participating in a horse race in Sangchu County, Kanlho.

In spite of restrictions Tibetans in Tibet celebrated his Holiness’s birthday by lighting incense, hoisting prayer flags, going on picnics, holding horse races and making offerings. A Tibetan in the area told Radio Free Asia, “Tibetans cannot openly celebrate the birthday of the Dalai Lama, but engaging in any cheerful activity is the most viable way of covertly marking the occasion.”