Dalai Lama to Visit Haridwar, Rishikesh Programs

Dharamsala, April 2: His Holiness the Dalai lama is scheduled to visit Hardiwar and Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand on April 3rd and 4th to participate in a series of programs being organised by Parmarth Niketan, an ashram in Rishikesh, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela.

The highlight of the visit will be to bless the landmark publication 'Encyclopedia of Hinduism', which took more than 15 years for compilation, reported Hindustan Times.

“His holiness Dalai Lama will visit Haridwar to participate in a series of programs being organized by Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and Haridwar” Tenzin Taklha, joint secretary at the Dalai Lama’s private office told Hindustan Times.

"He will attend the blessing ceremony to mark the launch of an encyclopedia on Hinduism," added Taklha.

During the blessing ceremony, the Nobel Peace Laureate will be joined by prominent Indian leaders, including Rashtriya Syweman Sewak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) President, Ashok Singal and Bharatiya Janta Party leader and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan and his Uttarakhand counterpart Ramesh Pokhriyal too will attend the ceremony. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Hema Malini and Nejma Heptullah will also be present at the congregation of leaders at the special preview of the encyclopedia at Haridwar.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also visit Parmarth Niketan to participate in the Hindu rituals being organised by Swami Chidanand Sarswati Maharaj. He would make offerings at Yagna at the Parmarth Niketan and will also offer puran ahuti.

Prominent Hindu saints like Swami Ram Dev, Murari Bapu, Swami Avdeshnandjee and more than 50 prominent religious leaders are expected to participate in the two days program being organized by IHRF.