For the second consecutive day on Sunday, adverse weather and poor visibility thwarted the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama’s, much-anticipated visit to Zanskar, the remote southwestern region of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
An Indian Air Force helicopter carrying the Dalai Lama from Leh to Karsha Phodrang in Zanskar was forced to return mid-route due to dense fog and low visibility. Saturday’s scheduled flight was also cancelled owing to similar unforeseen weather conditions.
This would have been the Dalai Lama’s first public visit to Zanskar in several years. The local Buddhist community, deeply attached to the spiritual leader, had gathered in large numbers—some from remote villages—to receive his teachings and blessings.
A long queue of hopeful devotees was seen outside the venue, despite the uncertainty, in the hope that the weather might clear.
“All preparations had been made, and people had arrived early this morning,” said the organisers.
Prior to his arrival in Leh for a month-long stay in Ladakh, the Dalai Lama had announced his intention to visit Zanskar. The visit holds immense spiritual and emotional significance for the people of the region.
Hundreds of devotees had reached Karsha days in advance, and local authorities, alongside volunteers, are working to manage logistics in anticipation of a rescheduled visit.
Despite the delay, the spirit among the people remains strong.
The atmosphere in Zanskar is still filled with devotion and excitement as the region prepares to welcome one of the world’s most revered spiritual figures, whenever the skies allow.