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How the Dalai Lama Celebrated His 80th Birthday at McLeod Ganj

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30 June 2015
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, prays with the prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile, Lobsang Sangay, and the current chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Tuki. The prayers were a part of an event to celebrate the spiritual leader’s 80th birthday at the Tsuglakhang temple, his main temple in exile, in McLeod Ganj, Himanchal Pradesh, on 21 June 2015. Dominik Huber
Tibetan devotees in exile offer idols of the Buddha to the Dalai Lama. Dominik Huber
Musicians from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts perform at the event. Dominik Huber
Tibetans from McLeod Ganj carry lunch boxes through the security check point at the event. Dominik Huber
The Dalai Lama at Tsuklakhang temple just before the celebrations and ceremonies began. Dominik Huber
Devotees leaving the Tsuklakhang monastery after the celebrations ended on 22 June 2015. Dominik Huber
Musicians and Tibetan Buddhist monks sitting in Tsuglakhang temple during a prayer that was being offered for the long life of the Dalai Lama. Dominik Huber
Dancers from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts perform at the event. Dominik Huber
The Dalai lama meditating during the celebrations. Dominik Huber

On 21 June 2015, the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet celebrated his 80th birthday, flanked by his devotees and admirers from the across the world. Born Lhamo Thondup to a farming family in Tibet, the Dalai Lama was forced into exile during the 1959 Tibetan uprising, when a revolt took place in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Since 1959, he has been living in Dharamshala in Himanchal Pradesh, which serves as the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Dominik Huber is working on in-depth, long-term projects. You can see his work at www.dominikphoto.com/

Atreyee Phukan is working on in-depth, long-term projects. You can see his work at www.dominikphoto.com/

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