Dharamshala: The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, returned to his permanent residence in McLeod Ganj on Friday after being away for nearly two-and-a-half to three months.
After undergoing successful knee surgery in Delhi and completing his stay in Ladakh, the Dalai Lama arrived at Gaggal Airport on Friday morning. Large crowds of devotees gathered at various points along the route to welcome him as he traveled to the main Buddhist temple in McLeod Ganj.
People welcomed the spiritual leader with traditional khatas, incense, and flowers. Senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, monks, and a large number of local followers were present at Gaggal Airport to receive him.
Crowds were also seen lining both sides of the road from the airport to McLeod Ganj.
The Dalai Lama had left Dharamshala for New Delhi in June. He underwent replacement surgery on his left knee in Delhi on June 8. After recovering, he arrived in Leh on June 28 and stayed in Ladakh for 69 days.
During his stay in Ladakh, he delivered religious teachings, participated in special prayer gatherings, and met devotees.
While McLeod Ganj witnessed an atmosphere of faith and enthusiasm following his return, the poor condition of the welcome route also raised questions over the administration’s functioning.
Deep potholes were visible near St. John Church on National Highway-503 along the Dharamshala-McLeod Ganj road. The condition of the road had created the possibility of disruption to vehicle movement.
With no repair work carried out by the administration, members of the Tibetan community took matters into their own hands. Using shovels and pans, they filled the potholes with soil and debris and leveled the road.
The effort was aimed at ensuring that the Dalai Lama’s convoy and the devotees who had gathered to welcome him did not face difficulties while traveling.
