On 2 February 2011, Tibetan and international Buddhists and supporters turned out for a support march from Tsuglakhang, the Main Temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in McleodGanj, to the temporary seat of His Holiness the 17^th Gyalwa Karmapa at Gyuto Monastery in Sidhbari.

The march, called a “spiritual procession” and “not a protest” by its organizer, Tibetan activist Tenzin Tsundue, was to show unwavering faith in the spiritual leadership of the Karmapa, who has made international headlines this week following an Indian police raid on his temple. Police claim to have found $60,000+ USD worth of “suspicious” foreign currencies at Gyuto. Allegations that these were to be used in illegal land deals and that the Karmapa may have ties with Chinese communist officials were levied by the Indian media.

The Karma Kagyu office, of which His Holiness Karmapa is the head, firmly denies all allegations of wrong-doing. The currency, they insist, is donations from followers around the world. They deny any involvement with Chinese agents.

The event began at Tsuglakhang at 10am. Many local businesses closed for the day. Inside, an estimated 500 Tibetans and their supporters gathered, holding portraits of the Karmapa and signs stating their support. Indian national and international media outlets, including Times of India Times Now tv, IBN CNBC 18, and the Los Angeles Times, were present.

“I support Karmapa and know he told the truth and did nothing wrong,” Migma, a Tibetan businessman who has been in exile in McleodGanj for about 20 years, told this reporter. “All Tibetans believe in him. He could never be a Chinese spy. Tibetans are very sad the India media has made such accusation.”

“We support Karmapa, and may the truth prevail,” said Paldon, a Tibetan born in exile in India.

The crowd filed out of the Dalai Lama temple and proceeded on a five and a half mile (9km) march down narrow busy streets from the Himalayan hill station to the village of Sidhbari. Along the way, more supporters joined. By the time the crowd reached Gyuto, an estimated 2000 marchers were taking part.

“Karmapa Chenno!” the procession chanted, led by monks and nuns on loudspeakers in three support vehicles decorated with dharma flags, portraits of the Karmapa and images of various Buddhas.

One teenaged girl in front of me had to rest frequently. She told me she had just gotten off the 12+ hour overnight bus from Delhi and had barely slept. Still, she was determined to make the journey to show her support.

At Gyuto, Tenzin Tsundue made another speech addressing allegations by the Indian media. He emphasized how growing numbers of Tibetan refugees in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh have strained resources and caused tensions. He strongly thanked the HP government and police for allowing Tibetans to call this region their second home while they cannot return to Tibet.

After Tsundue's speech, His Holiness the Karmapa appeared to briefly address the gathering. An English translation of his speech can be seen at the Kagyu Office website (kagyuoffice.org)