JANG, Tawang: The padyatra organised by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India, in collaboration with the people of Tawang and West Kameng district, to mark the 60th year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s arrival in India, started its journey from Yiga Choezin phodrang, Tawang at 8:00 am on 21 March. The convoy included a total of 21 vehicles and a large number of participants.

The padyatris stopped at Sera Je Jamyang Chorkhorling Monastery on their way and offered long life prayers and mendrel to a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama before heading to the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s residence. The padyatris were accorded a warm reception and served dresil (traditional sweetened rice served on special occasions) and tea by Tsering Dolma, wife of the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Rinchen Dreme, mother of the Chief minister at the Chief Minister’s residence.

Following prayers and offering of mendrel tensum, the padyatris resumed their journey to Jang, their next stop which is around 48 kms away. In between, there were around 4 villages to cross before reaching Jang. On the journey from Tawang to Jang, the local residents of the four villages have erected traditionally decorated gates to welcome the padyatra, with lines of sang being burned at every junction. Around 1:00 pm, the padyatris reached Lhou where they were given a warm reception and villagers expressed their devotion and respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama as though His Holiness himself is visiting the village. Apparently His Holiness has visited the Mani lhakang at Lhou during his journey from Tawang to Jang in April 1959.

The padyatris finally reached Jang at 2:30 pm. The padyatris were accorded a grand reception with chemar and a traditional welcome song was presented at Jang. Around 500 local residents welcomed them with khataks in their hand and the smell of burned incense was filled throughout from the village till the gompa (which was under construction). Long life prayers for His Holiness and prayer of peace was recited and mendrel tensum was offered to a portrait of His Holiness. At Jang, a stone slab is still present where His Holiness took rest, it’s given religious decoration and is considered a pride of the Jang village.

Padyatris stayed the night at Jang and dinner for the participants were arranged by the people of Jang.