Controversy surrounds the visit, but that hasn't ebbed Tawang's enthusiasm in preparing for the Dalai Lama's arrival.  The monastery here is where he stayed when he entered India fifty years ago after being forced to leave Tibet.  

The Dalai Lama arrives in Tawang on Sunday, and will spend a week in Arunachal Pradesh.

For his many supporters in Tawang, the visit is a reaffirmation of their faith; for India, it's a public and political reaffirmation that Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh are very much integral parts of India.

China has repeatedly opposed the Dalai Lama's trip to Arunachal Pradesh.  India's response, also expressed on different occasions, has been equally clear - the Dalai Lama is an honoured guest of India, he is free to travel anywhere within India, and he will not make any political statements.

Tawang's thanks for that stand is expressed simply but pointedly - the Indian tricolor flutters along with Tibetan prayer flags.  

And inside the monastery where the Dalai Lama will stay, expectation is everywhere.

The head priest, Ven. Guru Tulku Rinpoche , doesn't mince words.  "The past is past. Yes, the Tibetan government was here. This place paid tax to Tibet but ...it became part of India... and China should realize that for world peace...peace in Asia ....they shouldn't make such illegal claims. The people here are Indians and they are happy to be in India so why should they force us?"

Banners proclaiming "Long Live Indo-Tibet Friendship" leave visitors in no doubt about who Tawang sides with.   

The Head pries shares, "Before 1959, people from here would go to Lhasa. When situation worsens there, it hurts us.  When in 2008 March, there was unrest there, we held prayers here... and candle light marches for the people there. So yes, we are concerned. And our Guru is from Tibet and when his country is hurt, we are also hurt."

Tawang is also receiving others - Buddhists from as far as villages on the Bhutan border are arriving in Tawang for a glimpse of their spiritual leader.