The Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was on Sunday accorded a grand welcome when he reached Leh for his summer sojourn. He was flown to Leh from New Delhi in an Army aircraft.
Hundreds of devotees, Tibetans, Ladakhis, monks, nuns, students, and well-wishers lined up on the route from Leh Airport to Jivetsal, Choglamsar to greet Dalai Lama.
Ladakh Buddhist Association President Chering Dorjay Lakrook said the Dalai Lama will stay in Ladakh for about two months to recuperate following recent knee surgery.
Large crowds gathered along the route from the airport to offer traditional khatags and prayers in reverence to His Holiness. Students from various schools, members of the Tibetan community, and local Ladakhi residents lined the roads, waving ceremonial scarves and expressing their heartfelt devotion and respect.
The announcement of the Dalai Lama’s summer trip came after formal invitations were sent by local religious and community groups. The spiritual leader has a special residence in Leh, known as Shewatsel Phodrang, where he usually stays during his visit.