His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Birthday Celebration Across the Globe

By Rachel Mcmahon / July 12, 2018;

His Holiness cutting the cake during the celebration of his 83rd birthday in Ladakh
Photo: dalailama.com

As His Holiness the Dalai Lama turned 83, celebrations were held across the globe, although in Tibet itself, even acknowledging the event was strictly prohibited.

Thousands of Tibetans, Indians, and visitors gathered on July 6 at the Tsuglagkhang Courtyard in Dharamsala to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 83rd birthday. The official festivities began at ten o’clock, although many arrived much earlier to walk the kora, a holy circular route around His Holiness’ residence, or to just bag a good spot from which to view the celebrations.

Birthday celebration in Dharamsala
Photo: tibet.net

The ceremony, which lasted just under three hours, featured traditional Tibetan dances and cultural performances from the students of Tibetan Children’s Village and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Both Shri Kishan Kappor, the minister of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, and Himachal Pradesh, the chief guest at the celebration, praised the Dalai Lama for his unwavering commitment to peace, and for the progress his presence and leadership has brought to Himachal Pradesh. The celebrations also featured the release of two recently published books, a new album by Himachali folk singer Sunil Rana, and awards granted to ten Tibetan civil servants.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the crowd in Ladakh on his birthday
Photo: dalailama.com

The festivities at Dharamsala were just one of many gatherings held across the globe to honour His Holiness. In Ladakh, an estimated 25,000 people flocked to Shewatsel Phodrang to celebrate with His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, who recently moved to his residence in Ladakh for a three-week stay. After joining in prayers for his long life and wellbeing, His Holiness walked the 500m from Phodrang to Shewatsel Teaching Pavilion, stopping often to greet the well-wishers who lined the road. He walked the entire 500m unaided, demonstrating his strong health.

Standing at the front of the stage, His Holiness said a few brief words to the crowd gathered before him, and to all those who had tuned into his celebrations from their homes across the globe. His Holiness expressed his deep gratitude towards everyone. He spoke of the importance of bringing peace and happiness to all human beings, of promoting religious harmony, and of his commitment to the Tibetan cause.

His Eminence Ling Rinpoche addressing the 83rd birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Japan.
Photo/OOT Japan

Japanese Parliamentarians, dignitaries and Tibetans gathered for a celebration organised by the Liason Office of His Holiness in Tokyo. His Eminence Lin Rinpoche lauded His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s tremendous leadership and spoke of his major contributions to both Tibet and the world at large.

His Holiness has long encouraged open-mindedness, harmony, respect, and understanding between people and cultures across the globe. Ling Rinpoche further spoke of his unwavering commitment to kindness, compassion, and the preservation and protection of Tibetan culture and people. Health minister Choekyong Wangchuk and Japanese parliamentary member Uto Takashi, also gave speeches in honour of His Holiness.

Finance Minister Karma Yeshi joins His Holiness birthday celebration in Paris
Photo: tibet.net

In France, finance minister Karma Yeshi of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) attended a celebration for His Holiness hosted by Lower House of the French parliament. The event was officially hosted by Elizabeth Toutut, MP, and attended by representatives from diplomatic corporations, NGOs, and Tibet support groups, as well as many Tibetans and members of the French Parliament. Both Toutut and Karma Yeshi praised the Dalai Lama, speaking of him as a symbol of peace and compassion and commending him on his unceasing commitment to the Tibetan community. Toutut assured that she would continue to support the Tibetan cause. Additional celebrations were carried out across the globe in Nepal, Brazil, New York, London and many others.

In Tibet, the Chinese government banned all celebrations —both public and private — of His Holiness’ birthday. In anticipation of potential public unrest, the authorities deployed heavily armed forces throughout numerous towns and villages across the country.