Dalai Lama begins month-long spiritual visit to Ladakh amid devotion and warm welcome

Amid an atmosphere of profound devotion and spiritual enthusiasm, the Dalai Lama arrived in Leh on Saturday, marking the beginning of a month-long spiritual visit to Ladakh.

The Tibetan spiritual leader was greeted with great reverence as hundreds of monks, nuns, devotees, and well-wishers lined the route from the airport to Shewatsel—his official residence during the stay—offering traditional khatas (ceremonial scarves), flowers, and prayers.

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Representatives from various religious and cultural organisations, along with local leaders, extended a warm ceremonial welcome upon his arrival. The Ladakh administration made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe reception, with Z-plus security in place. His Holiness arrived aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft.

According to his office, the Dalai Lama will spend the initial days acclimatizing to the high-altitude environment before beginning a series of spiritual teachings, public discourses, and interactions with youth and religious communities.

This is his first visit to Ladakh since 2023, with last year’s visit cancelled due to knee surgery in the United States.

Upon reaching Shewatsel, the Dalai Lama addressed the Lamas and other guests who had gathered to welcome him. He stressed the importance of preserving the Nalanda tradition, reports said.

Thiksey Rinpoche presented traditional offerings to the Dalai Lama at the start of the welcome ceremony at his residence.

A major highlight of the visit includes a two-day teaching on ‘The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva,’ scheduled for July 24 and 25, followed by an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment on July 26.

Both events will be held at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh and are expected to draw hundreds of followers from Ladakh, neighbouring Himalayan regions, and abroad.

The Dalai Lama is also expected to spend a few days in the remote Zanskar region during his stay.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association and other monastic institutions have expressed deep gratitude for the Dalai Lama’s visit, calling it a profound blessing for the region. For many in Ladakh, His Holiness is not only a revered spiritual guide but also a symbol of compassion, peace, and resilience.

His arrival also coincides with growing global attention on the succession process of the next Dalai Lama. In a firm message issued by his office, it was reiterated that “no one else has any authority to interfere in this matter,” a clear rebuke to China’s assertion that it holds the right to choose his successor.

The Dalai Lama, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday on June 6, continues to advocate for “peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and compassion.”