Dalai Lama's 91st birthday marked with prayers, cultural tributes across Leh, Dharamshala and Shimla

The 91st birthday of the Dalai Lama was celebrated with grand ceremonies across India. Thousands of devotees gathered in Leh for prayers, religious rituals and cultural performances, where the Tibetan spiritual leader addressed the. He had earlier expressed hope of living until the age of 130 and said Buddhism is witnessing growing interest in China. In Dharamshala, Tibetans in exile, supporters and local residents marked the occasion at the Tsuglagkhang Temple with prayers, cultural programmes and speeches by the Central Tibetan Administration. Special prayers were also held at Dorje Drak Monastery in Shimla.