Arunachal Pradesh was awash with grand celebrations marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was celebrated with solemn devotion and great fanfare across the state, particularly in the Tawang and West Kameng districts.
In Lumla, Tawang, ceremonial rituals were conducted at the Gyalwa Jampa Lhakhang near the Bhutan border by His Eminence the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche, accompanied by monks and devotees. Rinpoche conveyed auspicious wishes for the Dalai Lama's long life and health. A large gathering assembled at the Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery in Bomdila, West Kameng, to pay their respects. The day commenced with a procession carrying the Dalai Lama's portrait from the local Tibetan Settlement Office, accompanied by chanting monks and locals praying for his continued well-being. The celebrations proceeded with a cake-cutting ceremony in the monastery courtyard, followed by prayers and traditional dances performed by community groups and schoolchildren, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event.
Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, joined hundreds of devotees, dignitaries, and members of the Tibetan community at Dhargyeling Tibetan Settlement in Tezu to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. The celebration included prayers, cultural performances, and heartfelt tributes at the sacred Lhagon Jangchup Choeling Monastery in Tezu. Mein, along with Head Monk His Eminence Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche, offered prayers for the Dalai Lama's long life and good health.
In his address, Chowna Mein described the Dalai Lama as a beacon of peace and compassion for the world, not just a spiritual leader for the Tibetan people. According to Mein, the Dalai Lama's message transcends borders, reminding everyone of the power of kindness, forgiveness, and inner strength. Mein welcomed the Dalai Lama's announcement about the continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama, a decision widely appreciated by the people of the Himalayan Region, including Arunachal Pradesh. He stated that this decision reaffirms the spiritual and cultural identity of the Tibetan people for generations and strengthens the hopes of millions of Tibetans and well-wishers worldwide.
Mein also lauded the resilience and cultural pride of the Tibetan community residing across India, admiring their preservation of language, attire, and spiritual traditions. He urged communities to draw inspiration from Tibetan efforts in safeguarding the Bodhi script and ancient wisdom through generations, reiterating the importance of preserving indigenous languages and scripts. He also mentioned the 'Freedom Trail' trekking event, which traces the Dalai Lama's escape route from Tibet to India, passing through Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attended the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala.
On his birthday, the Dalai Lama addressed well-wishers via X, expressing gratitude for the global celebrations and emphasizing compassion and inner peace. He identified himself as a simple Buddhist monk and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting human values, religious harmony, ancient Indian wisdom, and Tibetan culture and heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his warm wishes to the Dalai Lama, acknowledging him as an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. He added that the Dalai Lama's message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths, and he prayed for his continued good health and long life.
