VARANASI: CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament visited the sacred Ganga river yesterday to attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony which takes place every day. The duo were accompanied by Kalon for Religion and Culture Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok and Secretary of Religion & Culture Tenzin Lungtok.
President Dr Sangay, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok offered prayers at the riverside. The executives of Ganga Seva Nidhi, Varanasi provided a grant reception and honored the Tibetan delegation just like any other official state dignitaries. The Executive Committee members also presented a memento to the visiting dignitaries after their ritual ceremony. Dr. Sangay expressed his heartfelt thanks to the organisers for making this visit a memorable one.
After the event, President Dr. Sangay was interviewed by ANI, ABP and other local medias. He spoke about the CIHTS’s conference, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s upcoming programme in Bodh Gaya and the issue of Tibet vis-a-vis China. Dr. Sangay also expressed his delight for being able to attend the Aarti ceremony and said he feels blessed. In response to the media asking for a message to China on the occasion of the New Year, Dr. Sangay wished for democracy, freedom of speech and free media in China similar to the one enjoyed in India.
The Ganga Aarthi is performed everyday in the evening and has been in practice from the last 26 years. This spirituality uplifting ceremony prayer is performed to honor the River Goddess Ganga.