India, July 6 -- The Tibetan community in Himachal Pradesh celebrated the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with special prayers, traditional cultural performances and ceremonies, drawing thousands of devotees, local residents and international supporters.

While the main birthday celebrations were held at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, where the Dalai Lama is currently visiting, major events were also organised at the Tsuglagkhang Monastery in McLeod Ganj near Dharamshala, the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The programme at the monastery began with the Indian and Tibetan national anthems, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting. Tibetan artists presented traditional performances, while senior l...