Amid the sound of drums, music, and applause, the Dalai Lama stepped into Dharamsala’s main temple courtyard on on July 6, 2025, his 90th birthday.

Welcomed by Tibetan cultural performers, the Tibetan spiritual leader was greeted by schoolchildren dressed in uniforms, monks, and residents, both young and old, in their finest traditional attire.

The stage featured a backdrop proclaiming a “Year of Compassion” with images of Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. The Dalai Lama was seated alongside Indian government officials and leaders from the Tibetan exiled government. Also on the dais was actor Richard Gere — a longtime Tibetan rights supporter — and his son.

“To all my friends, on my 90th birthday celebration, you have gathered here happily with great excitement and strong joy in your heart,” said the Dalai Lama. “And I would like to thank everyone.”

A day earlier, the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke at a long life prayer held in honor of him, where he told devotees, “I hope to live beyond 130 years.”

Birthday messages from international leaders including former U.S. Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama were shared from the stage.

“Your unwavering devotion resonates with all those who cherish freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, values that the people of Taiwan hold dear,” said Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te in a statement.

“In the face of regional and global challenges, we remain committed to fostering a peaceful and sustainable future for the next generations based upon understanding, dialogue.”

Sunday’s celebration capped a week of events; most notable was Wednesday’s reaffirmation by the Tibetan spiritual leader that the Dalai Lama lineage would continue, with the next reincarnation to be chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit group that he set up, rejecting moves by China to steer his succession.

In response, the Chinese foreign ministry reiterated that the selection of a new Dalai Lama must follow Chinese law and that it had to take place in China.

Following comments by Indian minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday in support of the Dalai Lama’s succession plans, China’s foreign ministry warned India to be prudent in its words and actions.

“We hope the Indian side will fully understand the highly sensitive nature of Tibet-related issues, recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama,” said spokesperson Mao Ning.

In a statement released Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent birthday wishes and said, “We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”

Speaking at Sunday’s event, Pema Khandu, India’s Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, said, “[We] reaffirm our collective commitment to uphold the traditional Tibetan Buddhism process for the recognition of his reincarnation in line with the guidance of Gaden Phodrang Trust.” (RFA/RS)

Reporting by Dawa Dolma, photos and video by Tenzin Woser in Dharamsala; edited by Charlie Dharapak. This story was originally published in Radio Free Asia on July 7, 2025