His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting members of the crowd as he arrives to attend celebrations in honour of his 90th birthday, according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar at the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard in Dharamsala, HP, India on 30 June 2025. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu

Dharamshala: The rain that had fallen heavily during the night eased this morning as His Holiness the Dalai Lama reached the gate to his residence. He was on his way to the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, courtyard to attend a grand celebration of his 90th birthday. According to the Tibetan calendar, it fell today, the fifth day of the fifth month. Festivities were organised by the Dhomey Cholkha, people from Amdo. His Holiness was welcomed at the gate by Kirti Rinpoché wearing the Meditation Hat associated with Tashi Lhunpo, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Thupten Lungrig, Supreme Justice Commissioner Yeshe Wangmo and former MP and member of the Organising Committee Drolma Tsomo.

His Holiness, who was riding in a golf-cart, disembarked from it under the canopy that covers the courtyard and so avoided the rain. As he walked to his seat in the veranda below the temple, he happily acknowledged people greeting him on ...