The 81st birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is being be celebrated today at the main Tibetan temple Tsuglagkhang in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala.

He was born in Taktser in China on July 6, 1935 and is the 14th Dalai Lama.

The celebrations commenced at 8am and will include cultural presentations by TIPA (Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts), TCV schools, Indo-Tibetan friendship association and other such organisations, spokesperson of Tibetan Government Jamphel Shonu said.

Three civil servants, who have served more than 25 years in the Central Tibetan Administration by the officiating Sikyong, will be felicitated on the occasion. A book in Chinese language on the life of former Tibetan political prisoner Lobsang Tenzin will also be released by the Chief Justice Commissioner.