Dalai Lama's birthday celebrated in Gajapati
2
Berhampur: A day-long cultural show, a quiz competition among schoolchildren, and special rituals marked the celebration of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Sunday at Gajapati's Chandragiri, one of the settlements of Tibetans in exile.
Clad in their traditional dress, settlers — including women and children from all five camps in the district — gathered near the settlement office at Chandragiri to celebrate the occasion with much fanfare. A special prayer wishing for the long and healthy life of the Dalai Lama was performed, while artists presented traditional Tibetan folk dances and songs.
Gajapati collector Bijay Kumar Dash attended the event as the chief guest.
Among others, the settlement officer Karma Lodey Sangpo, former settlement officer Khenpo Pema Tenphell, and local Tibetan Assembly vice-chairman Tsering Yangzom were also present.
Settlement officer Karma read out the statement issued by the Kashag (governing council of Tibet) on the occasion.
He said the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has decided that a year of compassion will be observed worldwide, beginning with the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration this year. "This initiative aims to honour the Dalai Lama's kindness and spread his vision," added Karma.
On the eve of his birthday, the Dalai Lama said in a message on Saturday that he would continue focusing on his commitments to promoting human values and religious harmony.
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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Tibet In Hearts: Majnu Ka Tila Celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th
New Delhi: Stacking the white khataks, Tibetan ceremonial scarves signifying good wishes, were several women in Majnu Ka Tila. Their movements were calm and purposeful. On the other side, some men managed seating arrangements as monks chanted a prayer. Children, in traditional Tibetan attire, rehearsed dance steps for a performance scheduled after the prayer. A few dashed past the gathering, eyeing the birthday cake awaiting them. The excitement was palpable as everyone gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Wearing a chupa, attire women don on auspicious days, 62-year-old Soap Chamo was practising her dance routine backstage. "The Dalai Lama is our way of life," she said. "I was born during my parents' journey from Lhasa. It's been 40 years, and I have never seen my homeland. To live away and build a life requires resilience. That resilience we get from him. This is a tradition we'll carry forward. His Holiness keeps us united. I want my children and grandchildren to continue it." Migmar Tsering (37), headmaster of the Tibetan Children's Village School, echoed this sentiment while dressing up a group of 8-year-olds preparing to perform a traditional Tibetan opera dating back to the fifth Dalai Lama. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret Paras The Florett Book Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola "I was seven when I migrated to India. My parents stayed behind. I haven't seen them in over 25 years, and that pain drives me," he said. "These children are now the custodians of the culture that we have left behind," he said. "We teach in Tibetan until Class 4 and encourage participation in festivals like these." The celebration included an hour-long prayer, followed by offerings of wheat flour, symbolising long life for the Dalai Lama. Devotees then offered khataks, followed by a cake cutting ceremony and dance performances by all age groups. Meanwhile, the kitchen buzzed with preparations of meetha chawal, paneer and roti — an Indian-style tribute to His Holiness. Six-year-old Isha was one of the youngest performers. On the other end of the age spectrum, 99-year-old Dawa, older than the Dalai Lama by nine years, counted her rosary beads in silent prayer. Amid the festive atmosphere, political tensions lingered. Recently China has rejected the Dalai Lama's decision to let the Gaden Phodrang Trust choose his reincarnation, insisting the process must be approved by Beijing, a move seen as a threat to Tibetan autonomy. "China doesn't follow any religion in the first place, so why is it getting into our religious issue?" remarked Tashi Lhamo, president of the Regional Tibetan Women's Association, Delhi. "How the next Dalai Lama is chosen is an internal matter. Only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the authority, not Beijing." Two women, Tenzing Yangze and Rakiye, aged 22 and 23, respectively, and participants in the festivities, said: "Our entire culture revolves around the institution of the Dalai Lama, so only Tibetans should have the final say, not the Chinese government." Speaking on the importance of keeping the younger generation abreast with Tibetan culture and the revered institution of the Dalai Lama, Ngodup Choephel (52), president of the Majnu Ka Tilla Resident's Welfare Association and head of the 'Dgu Bcu Tsogs Pa' (Ninety Year Committee), said: "Though we are a generation in exile, we've built a home rooted in our faith. Even toddlers instinctively fold their hands before His Holiness's picture. " Extending support from the civic body, Vikas Taank, MCD councillor of Civil Lines from AAP, said: "I'm glad we were born in the age of Nobel laureate Dalai Lama, the undertaker of peace in today's world." Adding political dimension to the occasion, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch's general secretary, Pankaj Goyal, commented on recent Chinese statements: "China needs to back off when it comes to Tibet. Tibetans have the right to preserve their own culture, and India shares a long-standing and respectful relationship with this nation." As children danced and elders looked on with pride, the moment reflected more than celebration. It was cultural continuity in motion.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
PM Modi, world leaders wish Dalai Lama on 90th birthday
Dharamshala: Wishes poured in from the world over as the Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the Tibetan leader. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday," said his message, read out by Central Tibetan Administration president Penpa Tsering at the event. A message from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "Washington is committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans". A message from the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was also read out on the occasion. Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists thronged the Tsuglagkhang Complex in McLeodganj to be part of the historic celebrations, watched over by the majestic Dhauladhar mountains. Recorded video messages from three former US presidents were also played, with the crowd bursting into thunderous applause when Barack Obama appeared on the huge screen. Obama called the Dalai Lama "the youngest 90-year-old I know", and thanked him for his friendship. Hollywood actor Richard Gere set the tempo for the event, describing the Dalai Lama as the "greatest ever to have walked the earth". What followed was a most moving birthday celebration, as the Dalai Lama himself cut the cake. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The Dalai Lama said he typically avoided birthday celebrations as he was just a "simple Buddhist monk", but thanked followers for using the occasion to reflect on peace of mind and compassion. Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh was the chief guest while Union minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal CM Pradesh Pema Khandu, and Sikkim minister for ecclesiastical department, Sonal Lama, were among other notable dignitaries present on the occasion. "On behalf of the people of India and the government of India, I bow down at the lotus feet of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama & wish him a very happy birthday and a long life," said Rijiju. Singer Mohit Chauhan alongside Bidisha Sen presented a Hindi song, composed by musician Som Dasgupta, dedicated to the Dalai Lama. this was followed by cultural programmes presented by troupes from several countries and Tibetan settlements.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Dalai Lama's birthday celebrated in Gajapati
1 2 Berhampur: A day-long cultural show, a quiz competition among schoolchildren, and special rituals marked the celebration of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Sunday at Gajapati's Chandragiri, one of the settlements of Tibetans in exile. Clad in their traditional dress, settlers — including women and children from all five camps in the district — gathered near the settlement office at Chandragiri to celebrate the occasion with much fanfare. A special prayer wishing for the long and healthy life of the Dalai Lama was performed, while artists presented traditional Tibetan folk dances and songs. Gajapati collector Bijay Kumar Dash attended the event as the chief guest. Among others, the settlement officer Karma Lodey Sangpo, former settlement officer Khenpo Pema Tenphell, and local Tibetan Assembly vice-chairman Tsering Yangzom were also present. Settlement officer Karma read out the statement issued by the Kashag (governing council of Tibet) on the occasion. He said the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has decided that a year of compassion will be observed worldwide, beginning with the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration this year. "This initiative aims to honour the Dalai Lama's kindness and spread his vision," added Karma. On the eve of his birthday, the Dalai Lama said in a message on Saturday that he would continue focusing on his commitments to promoting human values and religious harmony.
