Dalai Lama returns to McLeodganj after two-month winter stay in Karnataka

He had arrived at the Drepung Gomang Monastery, located in the Doeguling Tibetan Settlement, on December 12, 2025. During his stay, he led major religious ceremonies, addressed scholars and students and granted audiences to thousands of devotees from India and abroad.

On February 9, the Dalai Lama departed from Hubli airport and travelled to Delhi, where he spent three days undergoing medical check-ups and holding meetings with prominent personalities. He returned to Dharamsala on Friday morning, landing at Kangra airport, where senior leaders and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration received him with traditional honours.

Large numbers of devotees — both Tibetan and non-Tibetan — lined the route from the airport to the Tsuglagkhang monastery in McLeodganj, offering khatas and incense. The streets reverberated with traditional welcome songs and dances, including Tashi Sholpa performances by various Tibetan institutions, while the air was scented with burning juniper.

During his Karnataka visit, the Dalai Lama addressed students from Tibet House, New Delhi, attended the concluding session of the winter debate at Drepung Loseling Monastery and presided over a long-life prayer ceremony at Gaden Monastery, where he also inaugurated the Gaden Jangtse Education Centre and Library.

He also met interfaith scholars and devotees and attended a prayer ceremony marking the first death anniversary of his elder brother, Gyalo Thondup, in Kalimpong.

After returning to McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama will rest for a few days and undergo routine medical examinations. He is scheduled to attend a long-life prayer ceremony on February 23.