Over 1,000 lamas and followers of the 11th Panchen Lama, a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, gathered Thursday to celebrate the 13th birthday of their spiritual leader.
Representatives from major lamaseries in the Tibet Autonomous Region also attended the celebration held at the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze in Tibet, southwest China.
The 11th Panchen Lama ascended the throne at the lamasery at about 10:00 (Beijing Time) as the lamas prayed for his longevity to the sound of oriental oboes and clarions.
The Panchen Lama was born to an ordinary Tibetan family in Lhari County in Tibet on February 13, 1990. According to Tibetan calendar, he is 13 years old this year.
It is a tradition for Tibetans to hold a number of rituals to ward off disasters and evils for their child on his or her 13th birth anniversary.
After the ceremony and prayers, the 13-year-old Lama was offered traditional food symbolizing longevity and good luck.
Lamas from major lamaseries in Tibet and local governments presented gifts to the Panchen Lama.
The two-hour celebration concluded with religious dances.
Among those present at the ceremony were the parents of the 11th Panchen Lama, Soi'nam Chaghba and Sanggyai Zhoi'ma, and local religious figures.
(People's Daily July 5, 2002)
