In Pictures| Devotees gather in McLeodganj to pray for Dalai Lama ahead of his 90th birthday

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In a spiritual gathering at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj, more than 15,000 devotees assembled on Saturday to offer long life prayers for the 14th Dalai Lama, ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations. The revered Tibetan spiritual leader, Tenzin Gyatso, radiated optimism about his well-being, stating, “I hope to still live for 30–40 years more,” attributing his strength and longevity to the blessings of Avalokiteshvara, as reported by PTI.

The prayer ceremony, steeped in ritual and reverence, was attended by senior monks and followers from across the globe. It marked the beginning of a weeklong celebration organised by the Central Tibetan Administration, honouring not only the Dalai Lama’s life but also his enduring spiritual leadership.

Amid rising speculation surrounding the question of his succession, the Dalai Lama sought to dispel rumours and instead reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serving humanity. 

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrives for his long life prayer ceremony ahead of his 90th birth anniversary, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo source: PTI)

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Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, being assisted by monks as he arrives for the long life prayer ceremony. (Photo source: AP)

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Members of Tibetan cultural groups blow long horns during the long life prayer ceremony for the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. (Photo source: PTI)

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The idol of Lord Buddha at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple. (Photo source: PTI)

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Hollywood actor Richard Gere arrives before the long life prayer ceremony. (Photo source: PTI)

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The formal birthday celebration, scheduled for later this week, is expected to draw prominent Indian political figures and international personalities. (Photo source: PTI)

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School children attending the long life prayer ceremony for the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. (Photo source: PTI)

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The 89-year-old spiritual icon, known globally for his message of compassion and peace, chose to focus on the present and the continuity of his mission rather than uncertainties about the future. (Photo source: PTI)

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Nechung oracle, in his ceremonial costume, goes into trance in a hall where the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, unseen, presided over an event during which Tibetan exiles prayed for the Tibetan leader’s longevity, a day before his 90th birthday, in Dharamshala, India. (Photo source: AP)

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Hollywood actor Richard Gere, center, Jetsun Pema, front left, sister of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, and others arrive for the long life prayer ceremony. (Photo source: PTI)

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An exiled Tibetan gets ready to perform in front of her spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. (Photo source: AP)

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Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, wears a ceremonial hat as he presides over an event. (Photo source: AP)

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Devotees watch Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on a television screen during the vent. (Photo source: AP)