Dalai Lama reaches Drepung Gomang for 7-week stay

The Dalai Lama arrived at Drepung Gomang Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, where he will reside for at least seven weeks, receiving a warm and symbolic welcome from monastic leaders, Tibetan officials and the state administration.

Flying from Delhi to Hubli, he was received at the airport by Geshé Jigmé Gyatso, Abbot of Drepung Gomang; Senior Administrator Mönlam Gyatso; and Jigmé Tsultrim, Chief Representative of the Central Tibetan Administration (South). State officials, including Hubli-Dharwad District Magistrate Divya Prabhu, Police Commissioner N Shashikumar and DCP Mahaning Nandaganvi, extended official courtesies, underscoring India's enduring bond with the Tibetan exile community.

The journey to Mundgod turned into a public expression of devotion as thousands of monks, nuns and residents lined the roads, offering white scarves, flowers and incense amid fluttering flags and welcome banners.

At the monastery, senior spiritual leaders - including the 105th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Dorjé, Jangtsé and Shartsé Chöjés, present and former Drepung Tripas, and veteran Buxar monks - gathered to receive him, alongside civil and Tibetan officials.

Addressing the assembly after prayers, the Dalai Lama praised Mundgod as a stronghold of authentic Buddhist scholarship and credited Tibetan exiles with preserving the Dharma.