I look barely 50, says Dalai Lama, as hundreds gather to mark his 88th birthday

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama celebrated his birthday in India (Ashwini Bhatia/AP)

The Dalai Lama has celebrated his 88th birthday as hundreds of his supporters and exiled Tibetans thronged his hillside headquarters in India.

Artists played traditional welcome tunes as the Tibetan spiritual leader arrived to preside over the celebrations in the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang Temple, which was covered with Tibetan and Buddhist flags and portraits.