Dalai Lama returns after Ladakh visit

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama returned to his residence at Chunglakhang Monastery in McLeodganj on Tuesday after spending nearly six weeks in Leh Ladakh.

He was earlier scheduled to travel on Monday, but inclement weather forced the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and central security agencies to reschedule his journey.

On his arrival in Dharamsala, hundreds of Tibetans, Buddhist monks and devotees lined up along the roads to greet him. Senior leaders of the CTA, along with distinguished guests attending the 65th Tibetan Democracy Day celebrations, also gathered at his official residence to receive him.

The Dalai Lama had flown to Delhi from Leh last week for a routine medical check-up, necessitated by age-related health concerns after his stay in the high-altitude region.

During his stay in Ladakh, he visited Zanskar, inaugurated the KarGön Mega Summer Symposium, laid the foundation of the Zanskar Mönlam Chörten, and addressed devotees.

In Leh, he laid the foundation of the new Jokhang Temple and delivered teachings to nearly 50,000 followers at Shiwatsel on August 16–17, where long-life prayers were also offered in his honour. His last public appearance was at a luncheon at Abi-Spang Spituk on August 24.

In Ladakh, the spiritual leader also met international dignitaries, including Czech President Petr Pavel. His travel was planned in view of Dharamsala’s heavy monsoon and Ladakh’s comparatively favourable climate for his health. Back in McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama will rest for a few days before presiding over two long-life prayer gatherings on September 10 and 20, the functions of which will be held in the main temple at McLeodganj.