Mundgod, Karnataka, India 4 January 2008 (tibet.net) - Thousands of Tibetans and Buddhist devotees from across the world carrying Khatags (ceremonial scraves) and incense gave a rousing welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his arrival in Doeguling Tibetan settlement in North Kannara in South India on Wednesday.

The top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), including, justice commissioner, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche - ecclesiastical heads, chief representative of south India, abbots of the monasteries of Gaden, Sera and Drepung, Doeguling settlement officer and members of the local Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society were present at the Hubli airport to receive His Holiness.

Deputy Commissioner of North Kannada district Munish Mudgil and Superintendent of Police, N Shivaprasad welcomed His Holiness on behalf of the district administration.

While addressing media persons at the airport, His Holiness expressed his gratitude to the state government and the local people for extending support to the Tibetan people since the Tibetan settled in the region in 1960's.

His Holiness further said: "Owing to the support provided by the Indian government during the last 45 years, we have been able to establish an agriculture based settlement and many centres of learning for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism and culture."

Next day at 8 o'clock in the morning, members of the Kashag had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Later, His Holiness conferred teachings on Jamphel Tsencho at the Drepung monastery at the request of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Prior to the teaching, officials of CTA including justice commissioner, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Kalon Tripa, members of the Kashag, members of Parliament, former Kalons, offered auspicious offerings to express their gratitude to the great service, His Holiness has rendered to the Tibetan people in particular and world in general.

While in Dharamshala, more than 300 Tibetans gathered at Tsuglagkhang yesterday morning to offer long life prayers and offerings to His Holiness. The officials of the Central Tibetan Administration attended the prayer ceremony.

Later in the afternoon, Kalon Kesang Y Takla, Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations launched the official website of the office of Tibet based in  Australia.

On 7 January, His Holiness will inaugurate a new assembly hall at the Drepung Loseling monastery.

In the subsequent days from 8-13 January, His Holiness will give teachings at the Drepung Loseling monastery.

On the morning of 14 January, His Holiness will confer a long life empowerment and later, a long life offering ceremony for His Holiness will be held.