Dehradun: The 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by the Tibetan community of Dehradun at Clement Town, TNMF Football ground on 6 July 2025. The event was marked by spiritual offerings, cultural shows, and warm participation from monks and nuns of different monasteries and people of all Tibetan colonies of Dehradun. Approximately 2,000 people attended the grand celebration.

The celebrations commenced in the morning with a traditional Long Life Prayer Ceremony at the settlement, invoking blessings for the continued health and longevity of His Holiness.

The event was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami as a Chief Guest, Tourism and Culture Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri SatpalMaharaj, as a Guest of Honour, MLA of Uttarakhand Legislative Shri Vinod Chamoli Ji as a special guest, former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Subash Kumar, H.E. Dakmo Kalden of Sakya Dolma Phodrang, along with H.E. Sangyum Sonam Paldon of Mindroling Monastery.

Also in attendance were the Tibetan dignitaries, including former MPs of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, retired staff of Central Tibetan Administration, representatives from different monasteries of Dehradun and local Indian Officials, Tibet supporters and other Indian guests.

The Ghoton Committee of Dehradun had the honour of presenting mementoes to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guest, and other esteemed dignitaries in recognition of their gracious presence at the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday, which added great significance and success to the event.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, addressed the gathering and extended his heartfelt greetings to the Tibetan community. In his speech, he acknowledged the invaluable teachings of His Holiness and wished him a long life for the benefit of all beings around the world. He also quoted His Holiness’ message “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness” and applauded the Tibetan community for celebrating the “Year of Compassion.”

He said that the Uttarakhand Government will fully support the Tibetan Community in implementing the various projects of the ‘Year of Compassion’ in Dehradun.

The Tibetan Settlement Officer of Dehradun, Tsewang Phuntsok, delivered a formal welcome address, highlighting the enduring global legacy of His Holiness and expressing gratitude for the support extended by the Indian Government and people.

A series of cultural performances followed, including traditional Tibetan dances, songs, and a group performance by school children and people from different colonies, celebrating Tibetan heritage and honouring His Holiness’s vision of peace, compassion, and harmony.

The celebration also featured a photo exhibition chronicling the life, achievements, and global humanitarian work of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by the organising committee and the Secretary of Dhundupling Tibetan Colony, Dehradun.

The celebration of  His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday at Clement Town holds special significance, as it marked the first time that the members of the Tibetan community from all settlements across Dehradun came together under one roof to jointly honour and commemorate this auspicious occasion. This celebration was not only a tribute to His Holiness’s nine decades of selfless service to humanity but also an expression of the Tibetan people’s unwavering reverence and loyalty to their spiritual leader.

-Report filed by TSO, Dehradun