TAWANG: A padyatra to mark the 60th year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s arrival in India kicks off in Arunachal Pradesh on 19 March from Chuthangmo, the point of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s arrival into India in 1959. The padyatra will continue till Tezpur and was organised by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India, in collaboration with the people of Tawang and West Kameng district along with the monasteries and NGOs in the region.

The opening ceremony of the Padyatra began at 9:00 am with recitation of long life prayers and offering of mendrel to a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the Chief Guest Guru Tulku Rinpoche, former head abbot of Tawang monastery.The padyatra is being participated by around 200 local people from villages and towns across Tawang and neighboring regions.

Shri R.K.Khrimey, National Convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause, in his introductory remarks stated that the Padyatra is organized mainly to pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama so that his message of universal peace spreads across the world, and also to highlight the 60th year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s arrival in India.

Following the brief function, the participants of the Padyatra offered Khatag (Ceremonial Silk Scarf) to a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama while monks and nuns recited Buddhist prayers and mantras. From Chuthangmo locality, there was only one living person, Mr. Lobsang Palden of Lhunpo village, who has personally witnessed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s arrival and welcomed to receive His Holiness. Mr Lobsang Pladen, now aged 75, was only 15 years old when His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived and he personally offered butter and cheese to His Holiness in March 1959. Mr Lobsang Palden was felicitated with Khatags and an autographed portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the function.

At 10:15 am, chief guest Guru tulku Rinpoche flagged off the yatra and people marched off to the next venue which is Gorsam (Stone bridge) chorten. The marchers proceeded reciting prayers and at 12:15 pm, they reached Gorsam Chorten where they were accorded a warm reception by thousands of local people. The people have gathered at the Gorsam chorten to celebrate five days Gorsam Kora, which is an annual religious festival attracting devotees from Tawang district as well as from faraway places such as Bhutan.

The people of Gorsam also organized lunch for the 200 odd padyatris and participants.

At 2:00 pm as per schedule, a function was held with an address by the Chief Guest Guru Tulku Rinpoche, and series of talks by local dignitaries such as Ven. Thupten Phuntsok (Padmashree awardee), Director of Manjushri school in Tawang, Ven. Ngawang Norbu, former lopon of Tawang monastery, Ven.Tashi Choegyal, President of ITFS Tawang, Geshe Thupten la , President of Sheyon Tsokpa, Tawang and Shri Sunderlal SUMAN, Regional Convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause, and thank you note was given by Mr.Lhundup Choesang, President of BTSM Tawang.

First day of the PADYATRA program wrapped up around 4pm and in the evening, a local cultural program was presented.