Dharamshala (Arvind Sharma),
Tibetan spiritual leader 14th Dalai Lama returned to Dharamshala on Friday after a two-month sojourn in South India, receiving a heartfelt welcome from members of the Tibetan community and devotees from across the globe.
His Holiness arrived at Gaggal Airport Dharamsala aboard an IndiGo flight. Hundreds of followers gathered outside the airport premises, dressed in traditional attire and holding ceremonial white scarves (khatas) and banners inscribed with messages of reverence and welcome. As His Holiness emerged, devotees greeted him with folded hands, many seeking his blessings. Tight security arrangements were maintained as he was escorted to his residence in McLeod Ganj.
This visit marks his first return to Dharamshala following his recent international recognition at the Grammy Awards, an honour widely celebrated by his followers.
During his stay in South India, His Holiness spent nearly two months at Drepung Monastery, located in the Tibetan settlement of Mundgod, Karnataka. His 47-day visit, which commenced on December 12 and concluded on February 9, was marked by a series of significant religious engagements.
He conferred the sacred Gelong (Bhikshu) ordination upon several monks and presided over the annual monastic debate sessions, a cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhist scholastic tradition. On February 8, he also attended the first memorial prayer service for his late elder brother, Gyalo Thondup, paying tribute to his lifelong service to the Tibetan cause.
With his return to Dharamshala, spiritual teachings and public engagements are expected to resume shortly. His next public appearance is scheduled for February 23, 2026, when His Holiness will attend a Long Life Prayer ceremony offered by former Tibetan political prisoners from around the world and the Lhasa Boys Association Switzerland. The ceremony will be held in the morning at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala.
