Today, a large number of Tibetan exiles and Western devotees performed a puja for the Dalai Lama’s long life at his main McLeodganj shrine. A large number of overseas visitors took part in the event as well.
Since the Dalai Lama turned 89 this year, Tibetans have started doing puja rites on a daily basis in hopes of prolonging his life. The Dalai Lama continues to play a crucial role in the Tibetan struggle even after he retired from active politics and reached advanced age. In Tibet and beyond, he continues to be regarded as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.
Many Tibetans have been defying China’s attempts to prohibit them from praying to the Dalai Lama, despite the country having taken severe action in this regard. The Dalai Lama has often told his people that he expects to live to be 110 years old.