HH Dalai Lama returns to Dharamshala after over two months in Ladakh

Tibetan spiritual leader welcomed by thousands of followers, devotees and well-wishers on return to his official residence

DHARAMSHALA: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama returned to his official residence in Dharamshala on Friday morning after spending more than two months in Ladakh, bringing to a close an extended stay marked by religious teachings, public programmes and celebrations.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Kangra’s Gaggal airport, where senior Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) officials, including Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, were present to receive him.

Thousands of Tibetans, devotees and well-wishers gathered along the route from the airport to McLeod Ganj to welcome the spiritual leader back to Dharamshala.

Traditional Tashi Sholpa dancers performed at the airport as the Dalai Lama emerged from the terminal. Tibetans and local residents also gathered at several points along the route, carrying flowers, incense and traditional white scarves.

Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, senior CTA officials, monks and devotees assembled at the Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang and outside the Dalai Lama’s residence in McLeod Ganj to receive him.

The Dalai Lama had left Dharamshala for Ladakh on June 28, spending more than two months in the Union Territory for a series of religious and public engagements.

His Ladakh programme included celebrations marking his 91st birthday, prayer ceremonies and his participation in the concluding session of the Yarchos Chenmo (Great Summer Debate) at Matho.

The extended Ladakh stay came after the Dalai Lama underwent left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi on June 8, following which he remained in the national capital during the initial phase of his recovery.

The Central Tibetan Administration said the spiritual leader had safely returned to Dharamshala after completing his Ladakh programme.

His return has brought a renewed gathering of followers to McLeod Ganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan exile administration, with devotees and well-wishers assembling to welcome him after his prolonged absence from the hill town.

The return also marks the Dalai Lama’s resumption of his base in Dharamshala following a period during which his public engagements were largely centred on Ladakh.