Long before seeking refuge in India in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama made his first visit to the country in 1956, not as an exile but as a respected spiritual guest. He arrived in November, just 21 years old, accompanied by the Panchen Lama and a large entourage. Welcomed at Delhi’s Palam Airport with full state honors - including a guard of honor and warm reception by Prime Minister Nehru and Vice President Radhakrishnan - he stayed at Hyderabad House. 

During this visit, the Dalai Lama embarked on his first significant public religious act in India with a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya on December 27. He offered Tibetan Buddhist scriptures and a ceremonial gold lamp to the temple management. Thousands of devotees lined the seven-mile route between Gaya and Bodh Gaya, laying out welcome arches to mark the occasion. 

This early journey helped set the stage for later diplomatic exchanges between India and Tibet at a crucial historical juncture.