Kathmandu Administration Approves Dalai Lama’s 91st Birthday Programme

Dragon Media News Desk

The District Security Committee has approved a programme scheduled to be held in Kathmandu to mark the 91st birthday of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader in exile.

According to available information, a formal ceremony will be organised on Monday morning at Namgyal School in Swayambhu. Around 30 representatives, including ambassadors, chargé d’affaires and other officials from various foreign diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu, have reportedly been invited.

Police had instructed the organisers to obtain prior approval from the District Administration Office. Although the administration initially informed them that separate permission was unnecessary, police maintained that the event could not proceed without formal authorisation.

As a result, a meeting of the Kathmandu District Security Committee was convened on Sunday despite the public holiday. The meeting reviewed the security situation, nature of the programme and details of the participants before deciding to allow the event.

The Dalai Lama’s birthday has previously been observed in Kathmandu through religious and cultural programmes at different locations. Diplomatic representatives from the United States, European countries and officials from international organisations have also attended such events in the past.

The decision to grant formal approval through the District Security Committee has been viewed as an unusual administrative practice compared with previous years. However, no official record has been made public to confirm whether this is the first time such approval has been issued through the committee.

Nepal has traditionally monitored public events involving the Tibetan community in view of security, public order and foreign policy sensitivities. The administration has maintained that religious and cultural programmes should remain peaceful, orderly and non-political.

Formal celebrations are also being organised in India to mark the Dalai Lama’s birthday. This year’s main programme is scheduled to take place at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, rather than in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama is expected to attend the Monday event.

Born on July 6, 1935, the 14th Dalai Lama turns 91 on Monday. A year-long programme launched to mark his 90th birthday is scheduled to conclude on July 5, followed by the formal celebration of his 91st birthday.

Security personnel are expected to monitor the movement of participants and any potential risks surrounding the Kathmandu programme. Organisers have reportedly been instructed to conduct all activities within the approved venue, schedule and stated scope of the event.