Dharamsala, August 10 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama today arrived on a 20-day religious tour of Ladakh, a predominantly Buddhist region of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Welcoming the Tibetan leader was Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his cabinet colleagues and government officials. The Chief Minister took the role of a chauffeur by driving the Tibetan leader in an official vehicle from Bakula airport to Shiwai Gatsel, His Holiness’ palace in Choglamsar.

Large crowds of locals, including Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus with flowers, incense and traditional well-wishing scarves (khatag) stood on each side of the road to get a glimpse of the Tibetan leader on his way to the palace.

After arriving at the palace, the Tibetan leader expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the hospitality his state has offered. His Holiness also told Omar that he had a very friendly relationship with his grandfather and founder of National Conference Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah.

The Tibetan leader will confer religious initiations and give teachings in various places including Zanskar region. He will finish his tour on August 29.