His Holiness returns amid grand ceremonial welcome
Sunday, 4 November 2007, 10:30 a.m.
A grand ceremonial reception by Tibetans await the arrival of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on 3 November (photo: Sangjey Kep) |
Dharamshala: After successfully concluding his high profile visit to United States and Canada, His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned Dharamshala yesterday, amid grand ceremonial welcome by jubilant Tibetans, locals and devotees from other countries.
His Holiness, on his arrival at the Gaggal airport was greeted by Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Mr Karma Chophel, Deputy Speaker Mrs Gyari Dolma, members of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and heads of the all the Tibetan institutions in Dharamshala.
His Holiness receiving a warm welcome from Tibetans on his arrival at the Gaggal airport |
Other dignitaries and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration were present at His Holiness’ residence to welcome him.
A ceremonial traditional Tibetan opera dance was performed by artists of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and Thangthong Lugar to welcome His Holiness.
More than 10,000 of Tibetans and scores of other devotees carrying scarves, incense and flowers lined on long stretches of road festooned with Tibetan national flags, welcome banners and colourful buntings to greet him and to get a glimpse of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan opera dance greeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
The huge cheering crowd was in festive mood, as His Holiness was honoured with the US Congressional Gold Medal by President George W Bush at the Capitol Rotunda on 17 October. The event resulted in an unprecedented grand celebrations by Tibetan community across the world.
An upsurge of grand celebrations of the award ceremony by Tibetans were also witnessed in Tibet, as China left no stone unturned to intensify crackdown to curb the jubilant Tibetan people’s respect for His Holiness.
During his three-day visit to Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on His Holiness for a historic meeting at his Ottawa office, despite strong objections by China in hosting the Tibet’s spiritual leader.
His Holiness also received a warm welcome from thousands of Tibetans on his arrival in New Delhi on 2 October.