Global leaders and followers of the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday (July 6), after the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists spelt out a succession process earlier in the week that sets up a renewed clash with China.

Dressed in a traditional robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks, as Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honor.