On the second day of the Tibetan New Year, hundreds of Tibetans living in exile staged a rally here today as a mark of homage to the martyrs of Tibetan freedom struggle.

The protestors covering their foreheads with black bands participated in the protest march, raising anti-Chinese slogans.

The protest also gains significance as the 50th anniversary of the exile of Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who fled to India after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, comes close.

They said the entire year would be observed as black year.

"We believe that on the coming March 10 is the fiftieth year of anniversary of the Tibetan people living-in-exile. When we talk about 50 years we'll talk about 50 years of human rights violation inside Tibet, fifty years of religious repression inside Tibet, fifty years of degraded resentment towards Tibetan people. So we believe these kinds of fifty years are black years for Tibetan people," said Sonam, a Tibetan activist.

Tibetans across India had observed their New Year on Wednesday in quiet defiance and on a mourning note, a year after their homeland had witnessed deadly riots and protests against Chinese rule.

Tibetans living in exile contend that Chinese atrocities have increased since the Tibetan uprising in Lhasa in March 2008, whereas China blames the Dalai Lama led clique for instigating unrest in that region. (ANI)