Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday arrived in Leh, where thousands of locals had gathered to welcome him. The Dalai Lama reached Leh at 10 am and was received by monks, nuns, students and other devotees outside the airport.
Large crowds gathered outside the airport to offer traditional khatags (ceremonial scarves) and prayers to the Buddhist leader. Students from various schools, members of the Tibetan community and local Ladakhi residents lined the roads, waving scarves and expressing their reverence.
The Dalai Lama was escorted to his cavalcade in a wheelchair as he had recently undergone knee surgery in New Delhi. He waved to the local community from inside his vehicle en route to his residence in Leh.
Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) president Chering Dorjay Lakrook met the Dalai Lama and made traditional offerings at his residence, Shewatsel Phodrang.
The Ladakh Administration had been preparing for the Dalai Lama’s visit for the past several weeks. Ladakh Police made elaborate arrangements for route management, security deployment, crowd control, traffic regulation and logistical coordination to ensure the visit was conducted smoothly.
The administration has also ensured cleanliness and proper upkeep of all venues associated with the visit, including the teaching venue at Jivetsal and the Dalai Lama’s residence.
CCTV surveillance systems at both the residence and Jivetsal, besides arrangements related to vehicle passes and access control, have also been put in place.
Preparations are also underway for the grand celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday on July 6 by his followers and the UT administration.
