His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, arrived in Gangtok, Sikkim today, as reported by dalailama.com, the official website of the Dalai Lama. His Holiness journey began from Delhi, where he took a flight to Bagdogra in West Bengal, and then proceeded to Gangtok by helicopter.
Upon arrival at the Libing Helipad in Gangtok, His Holiness was greeted by a host of dignitaries. This included Shri Prem Singh Tamang, the Honorable Chief Minister of Sikkim, along with the Chief Secretary, Shri Vijay Bhushan Pathak, the Director General of Police, Shri Amrendra Kumar Singh, and several senior ministers and officials. Additionally, Tibetan Representatives from Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong were present to welcome him.
The report vividly describes the warm welcome that His Holiness received from the local community. Monks from nearly a dozen local monasteries lined the road, donned in ceremonial hats and playing traditional instruments like cymbals, drums, and horns. The atmosphere was festive with Tashi Shölpa dancers performing in greeting and local Sikkimese and Tibetans, expressing their joy and reverence with smiles, silk scarves, flowers, and incense.
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Adding to the celebratory mood, groups of Tibetan women danced and sang joyously. A cheerleader led another group in spirited chants of “Long live, the Dalai Lama“.
His Holiness’s arrival at the hotel was marked by an official welcome. Members of the Sikkim Police Guard presented arms, and the Dalai Lama took the salute. He was greeted with a traditional ‘Chema changphu’ at the hotel door, and inside the lobby, he was welcomed by remaining ministers and senior officials of the Sikkim Government. A special moment was His Holiness being greeted by his elder brother, Gyalo Thondup, at the door to his suite.
The report further notes that His Holiness’s visit continued with a courtesy call from the Governor of Sikkim, H.E. Lakshman Prasad Acharya, immediately after lunch.
This visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Gangtok is not just a ceremonial event but a significant occasion, reflecting the deep respect and reverence he commands across the region. The warm reception by the local community and government officials underscores the cultural and spiritual ties that bind the people of Sikkim with the Tibetan spiritual leader. His visit is a momentous event for the region offering a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions and deep-seated reverence for His Holiness in the area.
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