No let down in spirit, devotees in Zanskar await His Holiness
Leh, Jul 20: Poor visibility caused by dense fog amid the adverse weather conditions forced an Army Chopper carrying His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Zanskar on Sunday, to return mid-route, elongating the wait of thousands of his followers by yet another day.
However, there is no let down in the spirit of devotees across the cold desert soars amid the Tibetan spiritual leader’s ongoing month-long visit to Ladakh.
After having acclimatised and rested upon his arrival on July 12, the 14th Dalai Lama was scheduled to visit Zanskar this weekend.
However, the much-anticipated visit to this remote region in Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh was delayed for the second consecutive day on Sunday, due to adverse weather and poor visibility.
“An Indian Air Force helicopter carrying the Dalai Lama from Leh to Karsha Phodrang in Zanskar was forced to return mid-route due to dense fog and low visibility,” officials said.
It may be recalled here that a similar flight scheduled on Saturday was also cancelled due to similar weather conditions.
The anticipated visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Zanskar, his first public appearance in the region in several years, has stirred deep spiritual excitement among the local Buddhist population.
Devotees from across the remote valleys and villages of the region have been gathering for days, eager to receive his teachings and blessings.
Despite uncertain weather conditions, long lines of people continued to form outside the designated venue, holding onto hope that the skies would eventually clear. “Everything was ready. People came in as early as dawn,” said members of the organising team.
The Dalai Lama, currently in Ladakh for a month-long stay, had earlier expressed his desire to travel to Zanskar — a region that holds profound emotional and religious significance for the Buddhist community. News of his intended visit had prompted hundreds to make their way to Karsha well in advance. Local administration and volunteers have been on their feet coordinating transportation, accommodations, and crowd management in anticipation of the spiritual leader’s arrival.
Though the visit has been delayed due to adverse weather, the sense of devotion and anticipation among the people remains unwavering. The atmosphere in Zanskar is still charged with reverence as the region awaits the auspicious moment when the Dalai Lama’s presence will grace their land.
Efforts are underway to track weather developments in hopes of identifying a window of opportunity for the visit. Meanwhile, the spiritual fervour continues to grow across Zanskar, a region known for its timeless monasteries and rich Buddhist heritage.
Just days ago, His Holiness held a heartfelt audience with over 200 devotees from nine different countries at Gaden Phelgyeling Phodrang in Shewatsel, Ladakh. The gathering included elderly Tibetans, children with special needs, and individuals of all ages — all moved by his compassion and wisdom.
As Zanskar waits, its people remain patient and prepared — their faith unshaken, their hearts open. The hope of seeing their beloved spiritual guide in person continues to shine brightly, even through the overcast skies.
