Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday Celebrations On In Dharamshala; Rijiju Meets Tibetan Leader

Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 10:07 IST

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju met the Dalai Lama during the birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on Saturday.

Dalai Lama birthday celebrations: Kiren Rijiju meets Dalai Lama (ANI Image)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Saturday attended the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple where the Dalai Lama lives in Dharamshala.

Celebrations are underway with full traditions in Dharamshala, Kangra, for the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, scheduled on July 6, as per the Gregorian calendar.

While the birthday falls on July 6, the festivities began on June 30 on the Tibetan calendar. This special birthday is being celebrated with religious prayers and cultural programs.

Key Updates On Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday

• Kiren Rijiju met the Dalai Lama on Saturday during the celebrations amid attention on the issue of the Tibetan spiritual leader’s succession.

  #WATCH | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu attend the birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama, at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple where the Dalai Lama resides. pic.twitter.com/IAkegavLCG— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025

• Ahead of the visit to Dharamshala for the birthday celebrations, Rijiju said that only Dalai Lama and the organisation set up by him have the authority to identify his successor. His remarks contradicted China’s long-standing position on the issue. “No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be. Only he or his institution has the authority to make that decision. His followers believe that deeply," Rijiju had said.
• China has asked India to exercise caution in its world and actions on Tibet-related issued, while objecting to Rijiju’s remarks. “India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet)-related issues," the Chinese foreign ministry said.
• Contradicting the Minority Affairs Minister’s stand the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Government of India “does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion… The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so."
• Earlier on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama said that he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader upon his death and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can identify his successor, adding that the birth of the person will take place outside China. On the contrary, Beijing says that it holds the right to approve the Dalai Lama’s successor from traditions followed during the time of China’s emperors.

Ashesh Mallick

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes...Read More

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes...

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Himachal Pradesh, India, India

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