–dalailama.com

Shewatsel, Leh, Ladakh: An estimated 50,000 people gathered under the blazing sun for a second day today on the Kalachakra Teaching Ground adjacent to the Shewatsel Phodrang. Their purpose was to offer prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As a team of traditional Ladakhi drummer and horn players beat out a welcome, His Holiness drove from his residence to the teaching pavilion at the far end of the ground. The ceremony was organised and offered by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA).

His Holiness the Dalai Lama riding in a golf cart from his residence to the pavilion at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, India on 17 August 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor.

Once he had alighted from the golf cart and entered the pavilion, His Holiness first paid homage to the image of the Buddha behind the throne. Thiksé Rinpoché stepped forward to greet him. Before taking his seat, His Holiness walked to the front of the platform to survey the crowd and wave to them.

Prayers for His Holiness’s long life began with the &lsquo...