Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who is highly esteemed and respected all around the world, turned 85 on Monday. His followers could be seen celebrating it virtually by dedicating to him the ‘Year of Gratitude’ where his teachings and lifework will be promoted.

Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Tibetians, celebrated his birthday in a low-key manner at his official residence in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh.

The Dalai Lama XIV, who is also known as Tenzin Gyatso, asked his followers to pray for him on his birthday so that he could live up to 110 years. 

“Today is July 6th, my birthday. It’s not possible for large numbers of people to hold a big celebration because of restrictions due to the pandemic. And it’s not necessary either. However, if you want to celebrate my birthday, I would like to ask you to recite the Mani mantra (Om Mani Padme Hung) at least a thousand times,” he said.

Wishes poured in since morning for him. In a Twitter post, the US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster wrote, “It is our privilege to work with His Holiness to advance the values that Americans & Tibetans share.”

Kiren Rijiju, Member of Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh, also took to Twitter to wish him. “On the auspicious occasion of the 85th birthday of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, I offer my  deepest reverence, prayers, and wishes for his long and healthy life.”

The members of Tibetan Government-in-exile celebrated his birthday in Dharamshala, reported ANI.

The Dalai Lama will be releasing an album of mantra, named Inner Worlds, set to music on the occasion of his 85th birthday.