Bodhgaya, 6th July 2025 — The 90th Birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated with great reverence and joy on Sunday at the Namgyal Tibetan Temple, Bodhgaya. The event was jointly organised by the Namgyal Tibetan Monastery and the International Buddhist Council, Buddhagaya.
The Hon’ble District Magistrate of Gaya and Chairman of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, Shri Shasank Subhankar, IAS, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. (Smt.) Mahashweta Marathi, Member-Secretary, BTMC, was the Guest of Honour.
The celebration began with a Welcome Address by Ven. Bhikkhu Prajnadip, General Secretary of the International Buddhist Council, who highlighted the global impact of His Holiness’s message of peace and compassion. The Chief Guest and Guest of Honour jointly offered butter lamps and traditional khadas before the portrait of His Holiness.
In their speeches, both dignitaries expressed deep admiration for the lifelong dedication of His Holiness the Dalai Lama toward global peace, compassion, and loving-kindness.
Students from GPL Adarsh School and Gautam Buddha School, Bodhgaya, performed a welcome song and a lively birthday dance, adding colour and enthusiasm to the celebration.
A ceremonial birthday cake was cut by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, along with Ven. Amjila, Head of the Namgyal Tibetan Temple, and representatives of the International Buddhist Council.
Ven. Ngawang Tashi Dorjee, President of the International Buddhist Council, delivered the Vote of Thanks. As a mark of gratitude, khadas and mementos were presented to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour by the organisers.
The celebration was a heartfelt tribute to His Holiness’s enduring legacy of wisdom, peace, and human values.
Earlier during the day at 7 am the Lamas of the Namgyal Tibetan Temple offered Special Prayers in their Temple and later proceeded to the Mahabodhi Temple with the Venerable Members of the International Buddhist Council, Buddhagaya and circumambulated the Mahabodhi Temple once. Offerings of flowers and incense alongwith the offering of Robes and Bowl inside the main sanctorum of the Mahabodhi Temple was performed followed by chanting both in the Theravada and Mahayana tradition. Dr. (Smt.) Mahashweta Maharathi, Member-Secretary joined this special gathering. Later Sangha Dana was offered to the Venerable Sangha and Lunch to Guests at the Mahayana Hotel, Bodhgaya.