Bodhgaya: The 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated with deep reverence and festive spirit at the Namgyal Tibetan Temple, Bodhgaya, on Sunday. The event was jointly organized by the Namgyal Monastery and the International Buddhist Council.
Shasank Subhankar, IAS, District Magistrate of Gaya and Chairman of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Dr. (Smt.) Mahashweta Maharathi, Member-Secretary of BTMC, was the Guest of Honour.
The program began with special prayers by monks at dawn, followed by a sacred circumambulation of the Mahabodhi Temple, accompanied by offerings and chanting in both Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions. Robes and bowls were offered inside the temple sanctum, in a symbolic tribute to the spiritual legacy of the Dalai Lama.
At the main event, Ven. Bhikkhu Prajnadip, General Secretary of the International Buddhist Council, delivered the welcome address, highlighting His Holiness’s global message of peace and compassion. Butter lamps and traditional khadas were offered before His Holiness’s portrait.
Cultural performances by students from GPL Adarsh School and Gautam Buddha School added vibrant energy to the celebration. A ceremonial cake-cutting marked the festive spirit of the occasion.
In their addresses, the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour lauded the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to global harmony and human values. Ven. Amjila, Head of Namgyal Monastery, and Ven. Ngawang Tashi Dorjee, President of the International Buddhist Council, led the ceremonial proceedings and expressed gratitude through a vote of thanks and presentation of mementos.
The event concluded with a Sangha Dana (offerings to monks) and lunch for guests at Mahayana Hotel, marking a solemn yet joyous tribute to the spiritual leader’s enduring legacy.
