DHARAMSHALA: At the invitation of the organising committee, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay yesterday attended the concluding ceremony of Mcleod Ganj Mela, an annual festival of the local Gaddi tribe residing in and around Dharamshala.

Speaking at the festival, Sikyong called for the need to strengthen harmonious relationship between the Tibetan people and the local people. He thanked the Himachal government and people for bestowing great hospitality to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration are both based in Dharamshala for the last five decades. Over 20,000 Tibetans also live in this state. Except for some isolated incidents, we have lived together peacefully, respecting each other’s tradition and culture. This wouldn’t have been possible without the magnanimity of the local people,” Sikyong said. He added that the Tibetan people will always remember the help bestowed by India during our time of need.

“Until a time comes when the Tibet issue is resolved, Tibetans have to stay in India,” Sikyong said, urging for India’s continued support and co-operation.

Wearing a traditional Gaddi cap, Sikyong participated in the festivity by interacting with the people and watched the traditional wrestling game (Kushti). Sikyong also did the honours of presenting the cash prizes to the winners of the wrestling competition.

The Mcleod Ganj Mela is an over 200-year-old festival celebrated by the local Gaddi tribes residing in and around Dharamshala. The festival originated as a get-together for the Gaddi tribesmen who used to be scattered across various small colonies in the hills of Dauladhar range hundreds of years ago.

The Mela is usually held, following a pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh lake in Chamba district. For the Gaddi tribesmen of the region, pilgrimage to the lake is most holy. The religious significance of this lake is considered next to that of the Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.