Gangtok: Amid the ongoing border tensions between India and China, Tibetan religious leader, the Dalai Lama has scheduled his five-day visit to Sikkim from October 10.
This is the Dalai Lama’s visit to Sikkim after a gap of 13 years.
The Dalai Lama’s itinerary for Sikkim includes religious teachings and interactions with the people, official sources said.
A detailed security bandobast has been made for the Dalai Lama’s visit, the sources said.
The Sikkim government has announced a five-day visit, from October 10 to 14, the Dalai Lama’s office has released a schedule for only two days.
On October 10, the Dalai Lama will deliver sermon at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. In the session, he will impart teachings on the book titled “37 Practices of Bodhisattvas,” authored by Sangpo Thokme.
On October 12, the spiritual leader will continue his teachings, focusing on Padmasambhava. These spiritual discourses are anticipated to draw a substantial gathering of devotees and spiritual seekers.
There is no clarity on his programme for the remaining three days. Some people said the Dalai Lama will engage in unannounced programmes, others said the spiritual leader will choose to rest during the remaining three days of his visit.
Interestingly, the Dalai Lama will be preaching to his followers in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim situated just 54 km south of the China border.
The proximity to the border at Nathula Pass adds additional significance to the Dalai Lama’s visit, given the sensitive geopolitical context.
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang recently met the Tibetan spiritual leader at his residence in Dharamshala and extended an invitation to him to visit the state. Earlier in April this year, the CM had a meeting with the Dalai Lama in Delhi.
