New Delhi: Dance, drama, films, fiery speeches and photo and art exhibitions - the capital will experience all this and more on Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's birthday Sunday, which is celebrated as World Tibet Day.

Observed since 1998, World Tibet day was created by Pulitzer prize nominee Richard Rosenkranz with the aim of raising awareness about the alleged violation of rights of the Tibetan community in Tibet and celebrate the Tibetan way of life.

To mark this day, a range of events such as screening of Tibetan films, photo exhibitions of picturesque Tibet complete with its rugged terrain and vast valleys, cultural programmes and art exhibitions showcasing Thanka paintings and Tibetan calligraphy, will be held in various venues across Delhi.

Discussions on issues of human rights and talks on the Dalai Lama's life and what he, as a spiritual leader represents, will also be a part of the show.

Youdon Aukatsang, a member of the Tibetan Solidarity Committee based in Delhi, said that this year the day will be more of an observance than a celebration, keeping in mind the “crackdown in Tibet� .

"Keeping in mind all the happenings this year - the crackdown in Tibet earlier this year - probably this year the celebrations will be sobered down. I am going to Dharamsala for the observance of the World Tibet day," Aukatsang told IANS.