The Tibetan Spiritual Leader The Dalai Lama arrived at Sikkim today on a eight day visit.

He was received by Sikkim Chief Pawan Chamling and his cabinet colleagues at the Pelling Helipad in West Sikkim.

The Sikkim government has banned slaughter of animals in the state during the eight-day stay of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader.

After his arrival at Pelling Helipad the monks from Pemayangtse Monastery in West Sikkim which is considered one of the holiest monasteries in Sikkim conducted the holy ‘Sherbang’, a traditional Buddhist ritual during which elaborate dances and prayers are offered in a procession for the Dalai Lama who is also a Nobel Peace Prize awardee.

Thousands of people had come out to see the Tibetan spiritual leader and receive his blessings.

He was then escorted to the Pemayangtse Monastery where he was welcomed by the head of the monastery which houses hundreds of Buddhist monks.

From the Pemayangtse Monastery which is also near to Rabdentse ruins which is also the Second ancient Capital of Sikkim, The Dalai Lama then flew to Tashiding Monastery where he will be staying till December 17.

On December 18, the Dalai Lama will visit the town of Ravangla in South Sikkim where he shall address a congregation of people at the Tibetan Settlement here. On the same day he is scheduled to visit the Ralong Monastery probably the oldest monastery in Sikkim built during the late 1600’s.

On December 19 he will fly to Gangtok where he is scheduled to address a seminar.