• This photo feature tells about spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh. Also see links at end of article. 

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations are currently underway in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, with his actual Gregorian calendar birthday falling on July 6th, 2025. 

However, the festivities began earlier, on June 30th, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, and are set to be a year-long celebration culminating on July 5th, 2026.

Here's an update on the birthday celebrations and related events in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala: 

Key Highlights of the Celebrations

Commencement of Celebrations: The 90th birthday celebrations officially commenced on June 30th at the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeod Ganj, with the Dalai Lama himself attending an event organized by the Domey (Amdo) community.

Pranams to Buddha inside the Tsuglagkhang Temple pic. 2001.

International Attendance: Dignitaries and well-wishers from around the world, including Hollywood actor Richard Gere, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, are attending the celebrations.

Group photo. Minister Kiren R belongs to the Miji tribe of Arunachal Pradesh and is a Buddhist.

Focus on Succession: A major point of interest and discussion during these celebrations has been the Dalai Lama's succession. He has stated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to recognize his future "reincarnation" and that his successor will be born in the "free world" outside of China. This is a significant statement amidst China's claims to interfere in the succession process. 

This a spiritual matter let the Tibetans decide. India is a vibrant democracy.

Martyrs Memorial. Pic 2012 by Vinita Agarwal.

Monks listening to his Holiness Dalai Lama.

   Line up of offerings during the long life puja.    

Religious Conferences and Forums:

a. A three-day religious conference began on July 2nd in McLeod Ganj, where discussions about the Dalai Lama's successor were likely to take place. 

b. The 15th Tibetan Religious Conference was held from July 2nd to 4th, attended by over 100 Tibetan Buddhist leaders and representatives.

c. An International Tibetan Youth Forum from July 3rd to 5th is also being attended by over 100 young Tibetans from 15 countries.

Traditional Tibetan music being played during celebrations. 

Public Appearances and Teachings: The Dalai Lama has made public appearances and is scheduled to give public teachings at his Main Temple at Namgyal Monastery in McLeod Ganj on July 5th and 6th.

Close up of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Pray for good health and long life.  

Cultural Events: From July 7th to 9th, a three-day festivity will feature Tibetan arts, crafts, medicines, literature, religion, educational exhibitions, a film festival, and medical camps organized by the departments of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Special Tributes: A special Hindi song, blending Indian classical influences with spiritual warmth, has been commissioned by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and will be performed live in front of the Dalai Lama on July 6th. To hear song 5 minutes

Singers Mohit Chauhan, Bidisha Sen and TIPA artists. 

McLeod Ganj's Atmosphere 

The town of McLeod Ganj, also known as 'Little Lhasa', is abuzz with activity, transformed into a spiritual hub drawing devotees, dignitaries, and global well-wishers. Despite heavy rainfall, thousands of devotees have gathered to greet the Dalai Lama and participate in the week-long celebrations. 

The 90th birthday marks a significant milestone, with an atmosphere of reverence, gratitude, and reflection on the Dalai Lama's life dedicated to peace, compassion, and global unity. 

Potla Palace, Tibet. It was the winter Palace of the Dalai Lama. 2005. 

Ki Monastery, Spiti Valley. 2022.

The amount of respect Dalai Lama gets in every part of the world is to be admired. He has brought Tibetan Buddhism to the world stage.

About Author - Vikas Sharma-Jugadu Engineer: From Ideas to Impactful Solutions, Amplified by Voice Jugadu Engineer was born from a singular vision: to transform abstract engineering concepts into tangible, real-world impact. What began as a humble idea has rapidly blossomed into a trusted partner for start-ups and NGOs seeking not just solutions, but genuinely impactful results.

But the impact extends beyond direct consultancy. At the core of Er. Vikas Sharma's mission is the Jugadu Engineer Show podcast. This compelling platform serves as a powerful conduit, sharing inspiring stories and deep-diving into local issues relevant to Himachal Pradesh. Through engaging conversations, the podcast transforms complex challenges into relatable narratives of triumph and resourcefulness, truly bringing ideas to life and fostering a spirit of "jugaad" that empowers individuals and communities.

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Also read

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2. The Indian Roots of Tibetan Medicine

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4. Atisha’s spiritual journey from Bengal to Tibet

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7. Tibetan Culture and Traditions

8. Cultural Ties between Himachal and Tibet

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10. Tibet is at the heart of the India China dispute 

11. Why is Tawang in Arunachal imp for China – “Tawang and Yangtze are key to Tibetan Buddhism, which the Communist Party of China (CPC) is trying to co-opt as part of Sinicization of Tibet. Tawang is the birthplace of sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso, who was reincarnation of the fifth Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso or Great Fifth, the first Dalai Lama to become the spiritual and temporal head of Tibet.”

12. Another view on the importance of Tawang Monastery – “It is said to be the biggest Buddhist Monastery in the world outside of Lhasa, Tibet. The Chinese obviously see Tawang within India acting as a magnet for all Tibetans. As Tawang was taken over by British India after the British and Tibetans agreed on the McMahon Line, China lays claim to this Monastery Town so as also to symbolically convey that it does not accept the McMahon Line, though its border with Myanmar is delineated as an extension of the McMahon Line.”

13. Album Tawang Monastery

14. Tibet – a narrative of a Cultural Holocaust