Gaya: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama is likely to skip his Bodh Gaya visit in 2026-27, his third consecutive absence. He also missed the two previous seasons. The prospect has disappointed devotees and worried local businesses.His annual teaching sessions boost Bodh Gaya’s winter tourism, drawing devotees worldwide. His absence could hurt local businesses.Suresh Singh, vice-president of the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators and former Bodh Gaya Travel Association president, said local businesses had invested heavily.“In anticipation of the Dalai Lama’s Bodh Gaya visit, local businessmen, especially the footpath vendors, had already made significant investments. Similarly, anticipating a massive footfall of the Dalai Lama’s followers, hoteliers turned down current bookings and blocked out rooms for the peak winter weeks. In case Dalai Lama skips his Bodh Gaya visit, footpath vendors as well as hoteliers will now have to suffer heavy losses,” Singh said.The Dalai Lama’s website lists a long-life offering ceremony in Dharamshala on Feb 24, 2027. At Tsuglagkhang, prayers will be offered by Dudjom Lingpa’s Troma practice group, the Tibetan Community in Canada (who immigrated from Arunachal Pradesh), and New York & New Jersey Dolchok Tsokpa.Singh said the absence of a Jan engagement in the published schedule had fuelled speculation. “The Dalai Lama’s Bodh Gaya itinerary typically falls between Dec 25 and Jan 15. Traditionally, when the Dalai Lama travels to the holy seat of Buddha’s enlightenment, these long-life offering ceremonies are organized at the Kalachakra Maidan in Bodh Gaya, drawing thousands of devotees from across the globe. While the spiritual leader’s Feb 2027 itinerary is already public, there is a conspicuous silence regarding any schedule for Jan.”He remained hopeful. “If the Bihar govt officially invites the spiritual leader for the annual Bodh Mahotsava, there can still be some chance of his visit,” Singh said.The 2026-27 calendar from Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) says world peace puja performances at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara will end on March 5, 2027. The Bodh Mahotsava schedule is awaited.
