Dharamshala — More than 1400 Monpas from Arunach Pradesh, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, celebrated His Holiness' 90th birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar in Dharamshala on Saturday. Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Ling Rinpoche and other distinguished guests attended the celebration.
Immediately after the long life prayers offered by the Monpa community to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple. The Monpa community celebrated three important events: the 65th anniversary of the first dharma teaching of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the people of Monyul after His Holiness fled into exile in India, the 341st anniversary of the birth of Gyalwa Tsayang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama who was born in Tawang, and the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, on September 7, 2024, in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple, in Dharamshala, HP, India.
The celebration was graced by chief guests Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Shri Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Other distinguished attendees included Shri Tapir Gao, MP Lok Sabha and Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; and various MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh.
The Tibetan leaders included Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Tibetan Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok, Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, Auditor General Lhakpa Gyaltsen, standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and Secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration and Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the event.
The celebration began with the "Prayer of Words of Truth" sung by a group of women from the Monpa community. Lama Ngawang Norbu, President of the Tenshug organisation of the Monpa community, explained, "today is very special and fortunate day, as we offered a long life prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama,and now we are celebrating the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, and this year also marked the 65th anniversary of the first dharma teaching by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the people of Monyul, at the Tawang Namgyal monastery, on 31 March 1959, after His Holiness went into exile in India.
Then Shri Tapir Gao, MP Lok Sabha gave a speech on the importance of the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, then Yangten Rinpoche gave a speech and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ganden Phodrang Office for offering a long life prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and celebrating the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Rinpoche then explained the cultural and religious connection between Monpa, Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama and how Monpas have deep devotion to His Holiness, etc.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel then delivered a speech and he highlighted the deep bond between the people of Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh, rooted in shared religion and culture. Reflecting on the long-life prayer offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier that day, he emphasized the special connection His Holiness shares with the people of Monyul and their unwavering devotion to him.
As His Holiness the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Speaker expressed profound gratitude for the significant milestones achieved during over six decades of exile, including his contributions to the Tibetan cause, world peace, and numerous other commendable efforts.
In recognition of His Holiness’s profound greatness, the Speaker encouraged Tibetans to embrace and practice his teachings. He also extended his gratitude to Shri Pema Khandu for his unwavering support of the Tibetan cause, concluding with a prayer for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering gave a speech and he extended heartfelt thanks for the Chief Minister’s unwavering devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his strong connection with the Tibetan people, and his constant remarks on border issues that support Tibet’s historical status. Sikyong also said that His Holiness’ assurance of living beyond 100 years for the benefit of all sentient beings and emphasised the importance of sincerely adhering to His Holiness’ noble guidance to ensure the realisation of the guru’s commitments.
Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu then gave a speech and he emphasised the importance of embodying His Holiness’ teachings of Buddhism, non-violence, and compassion in daily life. He extended his heartfelt wishes for His Holiness’ continued good health and longevity, the Chief Minister also urged everyone to not only offer prayers for His Holiness but also to actively practice his teachings to contribute to his vision and ensure his enduring influence.
Ling Rinpoche then gave a speech and explained the connection between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Monpa community, how the 5th Dalai Lama built Namgyal Monastery in Tawang and how the former Ling Rinpoche was the tutor of the 6th Dalai Lama who was born in Monyul, Arunchal Pradesh. Rinpoche also said that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama visited Monyul several times after arriving in India and that Rinpoche himself visited the place and saw how deep the devotion of the Monpas was.
Subsequently, groups of dancers from Monyul presented a series of cultural performances, accompanied by a singer who sang a song in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the assembled crowd celebrating his 90th birthday in accordance with the Tibetan lunar calendar.
In conclusion, Shri Jampal Wangdu offered a few remarks of gratitude, after which the ceremony drew to a close.
