Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday

Global leaders and performers honour Buddhist icon as he vows lifelong service

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A heavy rain Sunday morning did little to dispirit the thousands who gathered in the main courtyard of Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama temple, to observe the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.

The massive celebrations came in the wake of the Dalai Lama's announcement last week that put an end to the speculations about the discontinuation of the Dalai Lama institution. To irk China further, the Tibetan leader voiced his wish to live for another 30-40 years.

The birthday was attended by the representatives of various Tibetan Buddhist sects, school children, dancers and singers from different countries, and Buddhists from across the world.