Dalai Lama arrives in Sikkim, to lay foundation stone for Karmapa Park project at Rumtek

The Sikkim Governor with the Dalai Lama 

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI,  GANGTOK, DECEMBER 11, 2023 : The Dalai Lama arrived in Gangtok on Monday on a three-day visit to Sikkim after a gap of 13 years. He visited Sikkim last in December 2010. 

During his stay, the Dalai Lama will be giving one-day teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Dalai Lama arrives in Sikkim, to lay foundation stone for Karmapa Park project at Rumtek. 

The Dalai Lama blesses a devotee in Gangtok Practices of a Bodhisattva (Laklen Sodunma) on Tuesday morning at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok and will also virtually lay the foundation stones of Karmapa Park project at Rumtek and Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Statue project at Simmik Khamdong constituency, Gangtok district.

On his touch down at the Libing Army Helipad in Gangtok, the spiritual leader of Tibet was given a warm reception by the Tibetan representatives in Sikkim, including, the Korchen Rinpoche, the Lachung Rinpoche and the Gonjang Rinpoche. 

Golay greets the Dalai Lama at Libing helipad 

Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang, his wife Krishna Rai, Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs Sonam Lama, Sikkim assembly speaker Arun Kumar Upreti, Chief Secretary V.B Pathak and General Officer Commanding of the Gangtok-basd army division Major General Amit Kabhtiyal were also present at the helipad to welcome the Dalai Lama.

Representatives from the Tibetan Parliament, the Tibetan Settlement Office and the local Tibetan Assembly were also present to greet the revered spiritual leader. 

Following his reception at the helipad, monks from various monasteries of the State orchestrated a traditional Buddhist ritual of dance and prayer known as 'Sherbang', amidst an atmosphere charged with spiritual energy. 

As the motorcade of the Dalai Lama departed from Libing Helipad en route to Hotel Denzong Regency, devotees lined up along the path, yearning for a glimpse of the revered spiritual leader and seeking his blessings. He was welcomed at the hotel with the traditional reception ritual of Chema, followed by guard of honour by Sikkim Armed Police.

Governor of Sikkim Lakshman Prasad Acharya met the Dalai Lama upon his arrival in Gangtok. 

The Governor expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his presence in Sikkim, offering prayers for the peace and prosperity of the State and its residents In addition to the warm reception, the exchange reflected a shared commitment to fostering goodwill and understanding during this significant visit. The Governor wished that the visit and teachings of the Dalai Lama would have a profound impact on the overall peace and prosperity of Sikkim, and strengthen the cultural and spiritual ties within the region.