Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 19: The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, has assured that he will visit the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim soon after meeting Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama on Sunday to discuss preparations for his long-awaited return to the state.
According to a post on the Ecclesiastical Affairs Ministry’s social media account, the meeting focused on arrangements for the Karmapa’s anticipated visit, which has remained a longstanding aspiration for Tibetan Buddhist devotees in Sikkim.
During the audience, Golay briefed the Karmapa on the near completion of a new building at Goenchen Phodong, intended to accommodate him during his stay. The chief minister also conveyed the state government’s readiness to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate his visit.
The Karmapa acknowledged the invitation and assured the delegation he would visit Sikkim soon, the ministry’s post said.
The development comes ahead of the Karmapa’s scheduled visit to Bhutan from October 29 to November 7, 2026, to participate in the consecration of the 108 Changchub Chorten Mindfulness Project, a Buddhist initiative in Gelephu. His impending visit to the neighbouring country has renewed calls within Sikkim for the state government to pursue an opportunity to welcome him across the border.
The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has appealed to the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, particularly Chief Minister Golay and Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama, to take proactive steps to extend an invitation to the Karmapa.
“Given that His Holiness is visiting our immediate neighborhood, the Sikkim Government and the Ecclesiastical Department should coordinate arrangements to extend an invitation for His Holiness to visit Sikkim as well,” the SDF said in a statement. Describing the visit as a deeply cherished aspiration for thousands of devotees, the party said it would provide an opportunity for people across Sikkim to receive the Karmapa’s spiritual blessings and fulfil their long-held wish to see him in person.
The Karmapa, who heads the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, was born in Tibet in 1985 and recognised by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa. He was enthroned at Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet before leaving for exile in late 1999. India granted him asylum in January 2000, and he was permitted to stay in the country as an “honoured guest.” He subsequently spent much of his time at Gyuto Monastery in Sidhbari, near Dharamshala.
In 2017, the Karmapa travelled to the United States for medical treatment and later acquired citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica. His change in citizenship status invalidated his Indian travel documents, complicating his ability to return to India. Despite communication with Indian authorities to resolve the matter, a definitive solution has yet to emerge.
In a 2018 interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Karmapa expressed confidence that he would eventually return to India, stating, “I have no doubt or question that my return to India is absolutely certain.” He acknowledged earlier difficulties, including travel restrictions and suspicions that he was a “Chinese agent,” but said discussions with the Indian government were progressing. “I wanted to clarify these things by having constructive talks with the Indian government, and we are going ahead with discussions now. If things turn out well, I am ready to return,” he said.
His anticipated visit holds particular significance for Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, one of the most important seats of the Karma Kagyu tradition outside occupied Tibet. The monastery has long been associated with the Karmapa’s presence and remains central to hopes for his return to the state.
Sikkim’s government has continued efforts, in consultation with the central government, to facilitate the long-awaited visit. In September 2025, Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama expressed optimism that sustained cooperation between the state and central governments could help turn the long-pending visit into reality.
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