Tens of thousands gather to commemorate the summit of the exiled Tibetan leader’s 90th birthday

Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists flocked to India’s Himalayan town of Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama. Despite ferocious monsoon rains, the Tibetan spiritual leader appeared in traditional robes with a flowing yellow wrap, smiling and walking with the aid of two monks. Chants echoed through the hilltop temples while dance troupes performed with clanging cymbals and bagpipes. Indian ministers, long-time followers including Hollywood actor Richard Gere, and thousands of devotees gathered to honor the exiled leader revered for his advocacy for peace. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959, confirmed plans for a successor and referred to himself as a “simple Buddhist monk” with no regrets.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14eppgrgvno