Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to live beyond the age of 130, just days after formally revealing plans for his reincarnation. The announcement comes ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations, which are set to take place this Sunday in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking at a prayer ceremony organised by his followers for his long life, the Dalai Lama said, “I have been able to serve the Buddha Dharma and the people of Tibet quite well so far, and I hope to live beyond 130 years.” Thousands gathered in the hill town to hear the Nobel laureate's address.

The spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism has lived in exile in India since 1959, after fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has become a global symbol of Tibet's peaceful resistance and continues to advocate for greater autonomy for Tibetans under Chinese governance.

On Wednesday, the revered monk confirmed that he plans to reincarnate after death, ending long-standing speculation about the future of the Dalai Lama institution. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama can consciously choose the body into which he will reincarnate, a belief at the core of Tibetan Buddhism’s spiritual succession practices.

The Dalai Lama emphasized that his reincarnation will follow traditional Buddhist customs and be overseen by his own office, rather than outside authorities. In past statements, he has also suggested that his successor may be born in a “free country,” implicitly ruling out China.

His announcement challenges China’s assertion that it alone has the right to select the next Dalai Lama. Beijing has often labelled him a separatist and reiterated that any reincarnation must be approved by the Chinese government.

Tibetan resident Phuntsko Tsering, based in Dharamshala, believes the Dalai Lama’s statements were a strategic message to deter Chinese interference. “His Holiness is asserting that the reincarnation is a religious matter, not a political one,” he said.

Preparations for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday are in full swing, with the Tibetan exile community decorating the streets of Dharamshala. Over 20,000 Tibetans live in the area, and thousands more, including international devotees and Buddhist leaders, are expected to attend the celebrations.