DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration hosted a dinner reception and cultural show for local administration, representatives of Indian community and media fraternity on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 78th birthday celebrations in Dharamsala on 6 July.
Indian dignitaries, including Sub Divisional Magistrate and president of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, attended the reception. Senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, including chief justice commissioner, members of the Kashag, and parliamentarians, were present on the occasion.
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts presented cultural folk songs and dances on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, thousands of people brave heavy rain to celebrate the birthday celebration. An early morning prayer service was held at a temple on the circumambulation path around His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence, followed by the official ceremony at the main temple. His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, grace the occasion.
Official Sikyong Kalon Pema Chhinjor read out Sikyong’s statement on the occasion, as the latter was with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivered the statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
