Dalai Lama begins month-long sojourn in Ladakh

Leh, July 12: Spiritual fervor and joyous devotion gripped Ladakh on Saturday as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Leh to begin a month-long visit. The streets of Leh and Choglamsar were lined with thousands of devotees holding khataks (ceremonial scarves), prayer flags, and flowers, offering a warm and emotional welcome to the Tibetan spiritual leader.The atmosphere at Jive-Tsal’s Photang Geyphel-Ling was electric as senior officials, religious heads, political leaders, and members of civil society gathered to greet His Holiness. The visit, long anticipated by followers and well-wishers across Ladakh, marks a significant spiritual moment for the region.Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, formally welcomed the Dalai Lama on behalf of the Hill Council and the people of Ladakh. “It is a matter of immense joy and honor to receive His Holiness once again. His presence is a blessing for us all,” Gyalson said.The reception ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries including Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors, LAHDC Councillors, Member of Parliament Mohd. Hanifa Jan, and top officials from the UT administration and police, including DC Leh Romil Singh Donk and SSP Leh Shruti Arora.Notable religious leaders from various Buddhist lineages joined the welcome, reflecting the region’s unity in diversity. The Dalai Lama, who has been visiting Ladakh regularly for decades, is expected to deliver public teachings, engage in dialogues on compassion and ethics, and meet with community leaders during his stay.Former political figures including ex-MPs Thupstan Chhewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and former CECs of LAHDC Leh, were also in attendance—highlighting the pan-Ladakh significance of the visit.