61st Day of Peace March to Tibet, 9th May 2008:

The marchers left Nainital at 7am with local Tibetan residents cheering them on. Members of Gyagar Khampa (the association of Tibetans who came to India before 1959) and different Indian associations, such as Indian Shopkeepers Association (Bhawali), marched alongside the marchers until Bhawali. The Tibetan market in Nainital was also closed to show support and solidarity with the marchers.

After the marchers departed, the Presidents of all five organizing NGOs held a press conference at 10:30am at the Press Club of Nainital. After the daily prayers in the evening, the Presidents rejoined the marchers, briefing them about the press conference and discussing the march.

The marchers camped for the night at Shri Kainchi Dam after walking 20 kilometers.

A Prayer Song for the March to Tibet:

NOW LET US RETURN TO TIBET
(A Prayer Song for the March to Tibet )

By Rakra Thupten Choedhar

Ki ki so so lha gyalo!
Victory to the Gods of Tibet!

O Tibetan brothers and sisters, we have not met for a long time.
We are returning, we who have long wandered in foreign lands.

O you first sipa (origin) gods of Tibet, send us escorts
We need trusted guides to help us across the many passes and valleys.

O you first sipa goddesses, do not be distracted.
Open wide the gates of the great snow mountain wall.

You thirteen first sipa goddesses of our gur songs, sing us a verse.
It will make the journey shorter across the many passes and valleys

You twelve terma (treasure) goddesses please sing the refrain.
Raise our spirits and make us joyful as we march through the wilderness.

Any thoughts of turning back have been abandoned on the road behind
Our feet compel us to march forward to Tibet.

Lhasa, abode of the gods, gathering place of our people,
The capital city of all Tibetans, more precious than life.

Friends, do not offer the welcome chang right now,
There will be time enough for us to meet, drink and rejoice.
Let us first greet the Buddha Jowo at the Jokang Temple.

(This translation of Rakra Rimpoche’s poem was attempted by Jamyang Norbu from the Tibetan original below. Edited by Rigzin Dolkar)

62nd Day of Peace March to Tibet, 10th May 2008:

The marchers left Kainchi Dam at 7am and walked 18 kilometers. Upon reaching Kagrighat, they were informed of Pema Tashi’s accident.

After the marchers settled into the campsite, the puja began for Pema Tashi. A tent was erected where the monks took turns chanting prayers all night for their lost comrade.

63rd Day of Peace March to Tibet, 11th May 2008:

The marchers woke up early to continue performing rituals for Pema Tashi. His body was draped in a Tibetan flag and a mountain of khatas, and cremated at 7am.

The marchers solemnly left the site after lunch and walked 18 kilometers. They spent the night at a road side camp, 8 kilometers before Almora.

64th & 65th Day of Peace March to Tibet, 13th May 2008:

On May 12, the marchers departed from their campsite at 8am. They marched 13 kilometers to reach Almora, one of oldest hill stations in Uttarakhand State. The Tibetan residents of Almora warmly welcomed the marchers at Ghandimarg, where the organizing committee held a short media briefing to tell the press about Pema Tashi’s demise and update them on the march.

The marchers camped at the Dikung Kagyu Monastery located on top of a hill, where they also stayed the following day. On May 13, an orientation on non-violence was given to the new marchers joining the group.

Local Tibetan residents hosted dinner for the marchers while they were in Almora, which was greatly appreciated by the marchers. The organizing committee would like to especially thank Mr. Pasang (President of the Tibetan community in Almora) and Mr. Sonam who helped with the logistics of the march for these two days.

66th Day of Peace March to Tibet, 14th May 2008:

The marchers left Almora in the afternoon and covered 18 kilometers. They camped the night at Petsahab.

Peace March to Tibet Photo's from Nainital

Marchers Relaxing After the Day’s Walk	Marchers debating at the gomang ganden kunkyopling monastery at nainital	Cooks at work	Marchers helping at kitchen
	candle light vigil at nainital	A marcher chant prayer at the candle-light vigil