China has Tibet on total lockdown. They have gone so far as to bring in millions of Han Chinese to breed the Tibetans out. This has the whole religion in exile, and things do not look good for their future.
Hundreds of exiled Tibetans gathered in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the 89th birthday of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, on Saturday. The Dalai Lama has resided in Dharamshala since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The town also serves as the headquarters for the Tibetan government-in-exile.
HHDL’s message on his 89th birthday July 6, 2024. pic.twitter.com/lnPA5rRhF6
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 6, 2024
The main festivities occurred at the Tsuglagkhang temple, within the complex where the Dalai Lama lives. The temple and surrounding area were adorned with Tibetan and Buddhist flags, creating a festive atmosphere. Volunteers handed out Indian sweets to exiled Tibetan Buddhist nuns, while teachers assisted children in preparing for traditional dance performances.
A highlight of the celebration was the cutting of a colorful three-tiered cake inside the temple, accompanied by schoolchildren singing “Happy Birthday His Holiness.” Artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, dressed in traditional attire, performed with drums and bagpipes, eliciting cheers and applause from the crowd. The celebration also included the hoisting of Indian and Tibetan flags, with the band playing the national anthems of both countries.
Tibetan and Indian officials attended the event, sitting on a slightly raised platform surrounded by photos of the Dalai Lama, including some from his childhood. Notably, the Dalai Lama was not present at the celebration, as he is currently in the United States recovering from a knee replacement surgery, according to his secretary.
Honourable Sikkim Chief Minister @PSTamangGolay addresses the public on the occasion of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday celebration, organised by Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala on 6 July 2024. pic.twitter.com/VKKIgI40R9
— Tibet.Net (@CTA_TibetdotNet) July 6, 2024
Penpa Tsering, the president of the Tibetan government-in-exile, addressed the gathering and announced that various events commemorating the Dalai Lama’s achievements would take place throughout the year.
China does not recognize the exiled Tibetan government and has not engaged in dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 2010. Last month, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala, provoking anger from China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist threat. The Dalai Lama denies these accusations, stating that he seeks substantial autonomy for Tibet and the preservation of its Buddhist culture.
India, while hosting Tibetan exiles, officially considers Tibet to be a part of China. The Dalai Lama’s continued influence and the celebrations in his honor highlight the enduring spirit and cultural pride of the Tibetan exile community, even as geopolitical tensions surrounding the issue of Tibetan autonomy persist.
Thousands of Tibetans gathered at Times Square in New York to celebrate the 89th birthday of His Holiness the @DalaiLama, where birthday wishes were displayed on a digital screen. #Tibetans were seen cheering, singing, and dancing on the streets of Times Square.#DalaiLama pic.twitter.com/GDCgKnXp3B
— Yarloong (@yarloong) July 6, 2024
Major Points:
- Exiled Tibetans in Dharamshala, India, celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday with festivities at the Tsuglagkhang temple.
- The Dalai Lama, residing in the U.S. for knee surgery, was absent, but the event featured traditional dances, music, and flag hoisting.
- Penpa Tsering, president of the Tibetan government-in-exile, announced year-long events to commemorate the Dalai Lama’s achievements.
- China does not recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile and has not engaged in dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 2010.
- Last month’s meeting between the Dalai Lama and U.S. lawmakers in Dharamshala angered China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
