Dalai Lama returns to Indian headquarters after knee replacement surgery in US

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama was welcomed home after surgery (AP)

The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has returned to the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile in northern India after undergoing a knee replacement surgery in New York.

Hundreds of followers in colourful, flowing robes, waving scarves and flowers, cheered the Dalai Lama at the airport and his residence.