New Delhi,  July 6, 2026

The 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama was observed worldwide on Monday, with Tibetans and millions of followers offering prayers and heartfelt wishes for his long life, good health and continued guidance. The occasion reflected the global respect the Tibetan spiritual leader commands, as admirers across countries celebrated his lifelong commitment to compassion, peace, non-violence and universal human values.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), representing the Tibetan diaspora, extended birthday greetings and prayed for His Holiness’ continued well-being and compassion for all sentient beings. During the celebrations, a Tibetan resident told IANS, “One day we will celebrate His Holiness’ birthday in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, without China’s oppression.” Although the Dalai Lama is currently in Leh, Ladakh, recovering after a successful left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi, large numbers of devotees gathered at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj near Dharamsala from early morning to mark the occasion. The International Buddhist Confederation also conveyed its greetings, saying, “His Holiness has inspired generations across the world with his lifelong dedication to compassion, humanity, peace and universal values. His unwavering message of kindness, dialogue and mutual respect remains profoundly relevant globally. May His wisdom continue to inspire us all to work towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.”

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, along with several Chief Ministers, extended their best wishes to the Tibetan spiritual leader. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, “May His Holiness continue to live a long, healthy and stable life. May your enlightened teachings and compassionate guidance flourish for countless years, bringing peace, harmony and the light of Dharma to all sentient beings.” Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stated, “On behalf of the people of Sikkim and on my own behalf, I pray that His Holiness continues to illuminate humanity with the timeless values of compassion, wisdom, peace and non-violence, inspiring generations to come,” while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said, “His life encourages people everywhere to embrace kindness, wisdom and non-violence in the pursuit of harmony. On this special occasion, I pray for His Holiness’s good health, happiness and long life as he continues his noble mission of promoting peace, compassion and human dignity across the world.”

Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village in Tibet’s Amdo province as Lhamo Dhondup, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has lived in exile in India since 1959 and continues to reside in Dharamsala, where he remains actively engaged with religious leaders, scholars and global audiences, carrying forward his message of peace, ethics, interfaith dialogue and compassion.