The 11th Panchen Lama, the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhists in China, led rituals and ceremonies in Tibetan habitats in southwestern China's Sichuan Province from June 12 to 28.
   
During his stay in the province, the Panchen Lama, or Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, blessed more than 60,000 devotees from Garze and Aba, two Tibetan autonomous prefectures, located on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
   
It was the Panchen Lama's first visit to Sichuan since he was confirmed and approved by the Chinese government as the reincarnation of the Tenth Panchen Lama on November 29, 1995. The province is home to the second largest Tibetan community in China.
   
More than 10,000 devotees gathered outside the young lama's residence hoping to either catch a glimpse or blessing from him. He arrived in Garze's Kangding County on June 17.
       
The Panchen Lama toured dozens of counties in Sichuan and led ceremonies in more than 10 Tibetan Buddhist temples. Commenting on his visit, the Panchen Lama said he was happy with the social stability and economic development of Sichuan, as well as the people's improved quality of life there.
   
The young lama also said he would carry forward the patriotic traditions handed down by his predecessors and would do his best to promote the country's reunification, unity of the various ethnic groups, and continued social and economic development.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2005)