Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 26: The departure of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama from Leh, Ladakh was postponed on Tuesday due to unfavourable weather conditions, officials confirmed. Originally scheduled to leave after a six-week-long visit to Ladakh, His Holiness will now depart two days later.
During his stay in Ladakh, the Dalai Lama presided over a series of major religious teachings, public audiences, and community events that drew tens of thousands of devotees and well-wishers from across the Himalayan region and abroad. His engagements highlighted both spiritual guidance and expressions of gratitude toward the people of Ladakh for their devotion and hospitality.
On Monday, August 25, a message from the Nobel Peace Laureate residence in Ladakh, Shiwatsel Palace, conveyed his appreciation to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). Addressing Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson and his colleagues, His Holiness lauded Ladakh’s progress in education and the economy while praising the warmheartedness of its people.
“I appreciate the fervent faith and devotion of the people of Ladakh. The essence of the Buddha’s teaching is non-violence and compassion, and I have encouraged them to cultivate a warm heart and work for the welfare of fellow human beings,” he said in his message, while also thanking LAHDC for extending support to Tibetan refugees residing in the region.
The Dalai Lama had arrived in Leh on July 12 aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Dharamsala. His visit featured several landmark events. On July 21, despite earlier weather delays, he flew by helicopter to Padum in Zanskar, where he inaugurated the KarGön Mega Summer Symposium. Two days later, local residents offered long-life prayers for him, and he laid the foundation stone for the Zanskar Mönlam Chörten. On July 25, he gave teachings to more than 21,000 people in Zanskar before returning to Leh.
In Leh, His Holiness laid the foundation stone of the new Jokhang Temple, blessed the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar, and gave teachings to around 50,000 people on August 16–17 at Shiwatsel. On the second day, the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) offered long-life prayers in his honour. Celebrations marking his visit culminated on August 22 at Sindhu Ghat, where LAHDC Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchok paid tribute to him. His final public appearance was at a luncheon on August 24 hosted at Abi-Spang Spituk by the LBA and LGA.
Beyond spiritual gatherings, His Holiness also received audiences from thousands of devotees and met with international dignitaries, including Czech President Petr Pavel, who extended birthday greetings on the occasion of the Tibetan leader’s 90th birthday.
