His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to grace Sikkim with his presence from December 11 to 14, as confirmed by an official statement.
His Holiness will conduct a one-day teaching session on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s ’37 Practices of a Bodhisattva’ at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. This event, organized at the request of the Sikkim state government, is expected to draw a large crowd, including followers from across the region.
The Chief Secretary of Sikkim, V.B. Pathak, has already initiated preparations for this significant visit. A recent meeting, attended by various department heads, focused on ensuring meticulous planning regarding security, logistics, and cultural arrangements. This level of preparation underscores the importance of the Dalai Lama‘s visit to the state.
Originally planned for October, the visit was postponed due to the devastating flash floods that hit the region earlier. In a compassionate response, His Holiness the Dalai Lama directed the Dalai Lama Trust to contribute Rs 10 lakh to the Sikkim chief minister’s relief fund, showcasing his commitment to the welfare of the people affected by the natural calamity.
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Sikkim, a region that typically welcomes around 16 lakh tourists annually, has seen a significant downturn in tourism following the flood. However, the tourism department has been proactive in reviving the sector. An advisory from Bandana Chettri, the additional secretary of the tourism and civil aviation department, reassured potential visitors that most destinations in Sikkim are safe and open for tourism, except for the extreme northern part.
The upcoming visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is seen as a potential catalyst for the revival of tourism in Sikkim. Local hoteliers, who faced a major setback during the festive season, are hopeful that this event will encourage more tourists to visit the region.
Following his teachings in Gangtok, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will proceed to Salugara in West Bengal on December 14 and later to Bodhgaya for a three-day teaching session starting December 29 at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground.
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