Dharamshala — The people from Dhomay Cholkha celebrated the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on June 30, 2025 (the fifth day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar) and offered him a long life prayer. Thousands of people, including Tibetans, joyfully took part in the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.
The Dhomay Cholkha Organising Committee for the celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has organised a major traditional celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on June 30, 2025 (the fifth day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar) at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple, in Dharamshala, India.
Guests at the celebration included the great religious leaders of Tibetan Buddhism such as Sakya Gonma Rinpoché, the Ganden Tri Rinpoché, Sakya Trizin, Taglung Matrul Rinpoché, representatives of Chinese Buddhism, representatives of the Theravada traditions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma, as well as representatives of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Baha'i, Jewish, Jain, Sikh and other religious traditions.
High ranking officials and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration seated on the right side of the Tsuglagkhang and the sponsors of the 90th birthday celebration were seated on the left. They have also organised two other vanues, one was Kirti Gompa and other was the parking lot near the Tsuklhakhang, where Tibetans from the United States, Canada, European countries, Australia and India were seated and served drinks, Tibetan khaptse, fruit and cakes like in the Tsuklhakhang. Around 7,000 people gathered at the three sites to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, according to the Tibetan calendar.
When His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang, he was warmly welcomed by Kirti Rinpoche, Thupten Lungrig, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Yeshe Wangmo, Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and people carrying khatas (Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and offerings in their hands with joyful smiles.
Kirti Rinpoché read a long tribute tribute to His Holiness in Tibetan entitled ‘A Melodious Symphony of Thunderous Clouds. Then Kirti Rinpoché, Kasur Jetsun Pema and Kasur Thubten Lungrig then offered a mandala and three representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha to His Holiness. Prayers for his long life were conducted. Top leaders from the Central Tibetan Administration and religious leaders presented His Holiness the Dalai Lama with an award entitled "The Peerless Teacher of the Twenty-First Century".
Thubten Lungrig, Chairman of the Organizing Committee addressed the congregation and said, "On this special occasion, we have gathered here to honour His Holiness with the title “Peerless Teacher of the 21st Century”. We have recited ‘manis’ and Tara prayers, we have saved lives and cleaned the environment on his behalf. Meanwhile, Kirti Monastery has conducted a week of rituals for His Holiness’s long life."
"We request His Holiness to live long for the benefit of all sentient beings and the Dharma. We ask you to care for us until we too are enlightened. With regard to the statement made in 2011 concerning his reincarnation, since the bond between Avalokiteshvara and the Tibetan people is strong we request that His Holiness will continue to reincarnate. We pray that we will celebrate his 100th birthday in Tibet," he added.
Then His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering and said, "Here we are today on my 90th birthday. Although I am now 90 years old, I am physically healthy and well. All these years I have worked for the good of Tibetans and the Dharma. I have also established links with people around the world and engaged in useful discussions with scientists. My life has been worthwhile. I have visited many other countries and met all kinds of people. I feel my life as a human being has been of benefit to the people of the world and I dedicate the rest of my life to the benefit of others."
"As far as the institution of the Dalai Lama is concerned, there will be a framework for it to continue. I was born in Dhomey and moved to Lhasa where I was able to study. As I already said, I think I have been able to serve the Dharma and sentient beings and I am determined to continue to do so," His Holiness concluded his speech.
Then His Holiness the Dalai Lama was presented with a Tibetan birthday cake. Commissioner Yeshe Wangmo released a three-volume biography of His Holiness and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile released a pictorial book illustrating His Holiness’s life. Then Sikyong Penpa Tsering of CTA released a two-volume compendium of articles and poems celebrating His Holiness’s achievements.
The celebrations continued with songs and dances performed by young Tibetans from the provinces of U-tsang, Dhoto (Kham) and Dhomey(Amdo).
Yeshe Dolma, the Vice-chair of the Organising Committee presented a financial report of the event. She stated that donations had been received from 17 countries from 40 major donors and 125 others. She announced that any remaining balance of funds raised would be donated to the Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Ancient Indian Wisdom in Bodhgaya, India.
Choedak Gyatso, Secretary of the organising committee, gave a speech of thanks and the celebration concluded. Lunch was served to everyone.
