Tenzin Gyatso, the 14^th Dalai Lama [Images], turns 72 today.

Having not set foot in his homeland for 48 years, the Nobel Peace Prize winner will be celebrating what is known as an obstacle birthday.

Tibetans believe that every 12 years, an individual is likely to experience loss and suffering.

The Dalai Lama will also have special visitors to bless him on this day.

The world's oldest couple -- a 103-year-old retired army soldier, Thakur Pyara Singh, and his 101-year-old wife Hansa Devi -- have been invited to bless the Dalai Lama.

According to Tibetan custom, the blessings of old people wards off obstacles from a person's life.

Join us, dear reader, along with thousands of wellwishers, in wishing the Dalai Lama a very happy birthday.