Written by Ananya Chakraborti , a grade 9 student.

On July 6th was Dalai Lama’s 86^th birthday, but this year the celebrations are different

First, who is the Dalai Lama?

Dalai Lama is a title given by the Tibetan people for their leading spiritual leader of the Gelug, also called “Yellow hat” is a school of Tibetan Buddhism.

The current or the 14^th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso who lives in India.

Who is Tenzing Gyatso?

Tenzin Gyatso also referred to as his holiness was born on July 6, 1935. He is a Bodhisattva, (Dalai Lama) the highest spiritual leader of Tibet.

List of previous Dalai Lamas

• Gendün Drubpa
• Gedun Gyatso
• Sonam Gyatso
• Yonten Gyatso
• Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso
• Tsangyang Gyatso
• Kelzang Gyatso
• Jamphel Gyatso
• Lungtok Gyatso
• Tsultrim Gyatso
• Khedrup Gyatso
• Trinley Gyatso
• Thubten Gyatso
• Tenzin Gyatso

Dalai Lama’s Birthday

On July 6 the Dalai Lama turned 86 years old. His birthday is a grand event for the Tibetan community. Thousands of people all over the globe come to Dharamshala where the Dalai Lama lives to celebrate his birthday each year.

Many government officials and the global community often take part in the festivities. Each year groups from Mongolia, people from the Himalayas, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh perform dance and songs. Prayers are held for His Holiness. A three-day celebration goes on in a place called Shiwaye-Tsel in Ladakh to mark the Dali Lama’s birthday. However, this year because of the pandemic the occasion will not be held in Tsuglagkhang (popularly known as the Dalai Lama temple/ monastery) in McLeodganj, Dharamshala.

The Kashag (the highest executive office of the Central Tibetan Administration – the CTA) had issued an advisory saying to avoid gathering of people but follow celebrate the day as per the traditions by offering white scarves to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, the advisory read. CTA broadcast the official Trungkar celebration via Tibet TV for everyone to join virtually from the safety of their homes. His Holiness has also cancelled all his public meetings since February 2020.

Want to write for us? Submit your story here. You can also apply to become a news anchor. Apply here