By Tenzin Chokyi

DHARAMSALA, 6 July: Exiled Tibetans in Dharamsala and communities across the world on Monday marked the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with prayers, cultural performances and public gatherings, following a plea from Pawo Lobga Rangzen, recorded before his self-immolation in New York, that Tibetans should not mourn but celebrate the occasion “even bigger and grander.”

At the Dalai Lama Temple in McLeod Ganj, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organised the official birthday programme, which drew Tibetan organisations, community groups, dignitaries and members of the public. Traditional songs, dances and religious observances filled the day, described by attendees as among the most important cultural gatherings after Losar, the Tibetan New Year.

The event was attended by among others, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Dr Hemraj Bairwa as the Chief Guest along with th...