Leh: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Leh today to a grand and heartfelt welcome by the people of Ladakh. Thousands gathered along the roads holding traditional khataks, offering flowers and prayers as a mark of deep reverence and devotion. The atmosphere was filled with chants and spiritual fervour as His Holiness made his way into the region.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, formally welcomed the spiritual leader on behalf of the people and the Council. Speaking at the welcome ceremony, he expressed immense joy over the Dalai Lama’s visit, calling it a moment of great spiritual significance for the region.
The official reception was held at Photang Geyphel-Ling in Jive-Tsal, Choglamsar, where Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors Tashi Namgyal, Stanzin Chosphel, and Ghulam Mehdi, along with Leader of Opposition Tsering Namgyal and several councillors of LAHDC Leh were present to greet His Holiness.
Also present were 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 of Leh Romil Singh Donk, Senior Superintendent of Police Shruti Arora, Director of Tourism and Culture Kunzes Angmo, and Additional District Development Commissioner Sonam Norbu.
The gathering was graced by several prominent religious and community leaders including Kushok Thiksay Rinpoche, Thuksey Rinpoche of the Drukpa Lineage, Rinpoche Bakula Rangdol Nima of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage, and Venerable Dorjay Stanzin, President of the All Ladakh Gonpa Association. Also in attendance were 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 of LBA; Kunzes Dolma, President of the Women Wing of LBA; and 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 took part in the reception. Former public representatives including Thupstan Chhewang, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Rigzin Spalbar, Gyal P Wangyal, Tsering Samphel, and Deldan Namgyal were also present.
His Holiness is scheduled to remain in Ladakh for a month. During this period, devotees from across the region and beyond are expected to gather to receive his teachings, spiritual discourses, and blessings. His visit once again brings immense joy and a deep sense of spiritual renewal to the people of Ladakh.
