CTA launches bilingual website to mark year-long celebrations of Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday

Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, June 18: The exiled Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), today launched a bilingual website to mark the beginning of a year-long global celebration honouring the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The newly launched platform aims to commemorate the life, legacy, and profound spiritual and political leadership of the revered Tibetan figure.

The launch ceremony was presided over by CTA President Penpa Tsering, alongside Cabinet Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi and Finance Secretary Tsering Dhondup, who serve respectively as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Central Ghoton Organising Committee. The event took place at Lhakpa Tsering Hall of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR).

During the event, President Tsering offered a brief walkthrough of the website’s navigation and features. He then introduced the key events scheduled as part of the 90th birthday celebrations. A long-life prayer ceremony for His Holiness, led by the Cabinet, is set for July 5, followed by the grand birthday celebration on July 6. Indian Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju is expected to attend the main celebration as the chief guest, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

In his address, President Tsering also highlighted the significance of the upcoming conference of religious heads and representatives of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, scheduled to be held in Dharamshala from July 2 to 4. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to participate in the conference to offer guidance on the deeply significant matter of his reincarnation, a topic of major religious and political importance followed closely by Tibetans and supporters worldwide.

The year-long celebration, running from July 5, 2025, to July 6, 2026, will feature a diverse array of events including cultural performances, exhibitions, film festivals, educational programs, free medical camps, humanitarian outreach, and interfaith religious ceremonies. A three-day festival showcasing Tibetan culture, arts, crafts, medicine, literature, and religion is scheduled for July 7 to 10. Additionally, departments within the CTA will coordinate commemorative film screenings and educational exhibitions that highlight the global impact of His Holiness’ teachings.

President Tsering also noted that regional organising committees across the globe have been given the autonomy to curate programs suited to their unique local contexts. He encouraged these committees to ensure inclusive community engagement and to amplify the Dalai Lama’s core messages of compassion, nonviolence, environmental sustainability, and secular ethics.