Dharamsala (also Dharamshala) (Hindi: धर्मशाला, dharmaśālā) (pronounced [d̪ʱərəmˈɕaːlaː] or [d̪ʱərmˈɕaːlaː]) is a city and a municipal council in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the district headquarters. It was formerly known as Bhagsu. The Dalai Lama's residence in McLeodGanj and the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan government in exile) are in Dharamshala.