Leh: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Leh, Ladakh today to a grand and emotional welcome by thousands of devotees and dignitaries. As he made his way into the region, people gathered in large numbers along the route, offering traditional khataks, flowers, and prayers, reflecting the deep spiritual connection Ladakh shares with His Holiness.
Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, formally received His Holiness on behalf of the people of Ladakh and the Council. Speaking on the occasion, he expressed heartfelt joy at the return of the revered spiritual leader, noting the blessing of once again being in His Holiness’s presence.
The ceremonial reception took place at Photang Geyphel-Ling in Jive-Tsal, Choglamsar, where senior members of the LAHDC Leh, including Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors Tashi Namgyal, Stanzin Chosphel, and Ghulam Mehdi, as well as Leader of Opposition Tsering Namgyal and other councillors, joined in welcoming His Holiness.
The reception was also attended by Member of Parliament Mohd. Hanifa Jan, Director General of Police Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Administrative Secretaries Bhupesh Chaudhary and Bhanu Prabha, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, SSP Leh Shruti Arora, Director of Tourism and Culture Kunzes Angmo, and Additional District Development Commissioner Sonam Norbu.
Several prominent religious and community leaders were also present for the welcome ceremony. Among them were His Eminence Kushok Thiksay Rinpoche, His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche representing the Drukpa Lineage, Rinpoche Bakula Rangdol Nima of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage, and Venerable Dorjay Stanzin, President of the All Ladakh Gonpa Association. Tsering Dorjay Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association; Sheikh Nazir, Vice President of Anjuman Imamia; Dr. Abdul Qayum, President of Moin-ul-Islam, Leh; Sonam Parvez, President of the Christian Community; Jigmet Rabstan, President of the Youth Wing, LBA; and Kunzes Dolma, President of the Women Wing, LBA, were also in attendance.
Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, President of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre; Tashi Dhondup Thokmet, Chief Representative of the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement; and Dhondup Tsering, Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly Branch, also joined the ceremony. Former public representatives, including Thupstan Chhewang, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Rigzin Spalbar, Gyal P Wangyal, Tsering Samphel, and Deldan Namgyal, were present to honour the occasion.
His Holiness is scheduled to stay in Ladakh for a month, during which devotees from across the region and beyond will have the opportunity to attend his teachings and receive his blessings.
