Prayers mark Dalai Lama’s birthday

Our Correspondent

Leh, July 6

Special prayers were held in Leh for the long life of the Dalai Lama who turned 83 on Friday. Large crowds donning traditional clothes began to assemble since morning at the Shewatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the celebrations.

The Dalai Lama attended the prayers and blessed the gathering. During his stay in Leh, the Dalai Lama would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational sittings and deliver teachings.

Meanwhile, Central Tibetan Administration president Lobsang Sangay on Friday reiterated the commitment of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama for the revival of the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism in India. Addressing a gathering during the 83rd birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama, Sangay said, “The Nalanda tradition must come back to the land where it originated.”