PHOTOS: Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday, says he hopes to live beyond 130 years

Amid the sound of drums, music, and applause, the Dalai Lama stepped into Dharamsala’s main temple courtyard on Sunday, his 90th birthday. Welcomed by Tibetan cultural performers, the Tibetan spiritual leader was greeted by schoolchildren dressed in uniforms, monks, and residents, both young and old, in their finest traditional attire.

The stage featured a backdrop proclaiming a “Year of Compassion” with images of Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. The Dalai Lama was seated alongside Indian government officials and leaders from the Tibetan exiled government. Also on the dais was actor Richard Gere — a longtime Tibetan rights supporter — and his son.

“To all my friends, on my 90th birthday celebration, you have gathered here happily with great excitement and strong joy in your heart,” said the Dalai Lama. “And I would like to thank everyone.”

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