Dharamshala: The 25th Tibetan Shoton Festival kicked off earlier today at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamshala, which celebrates Tibetan opera from 6 – 13 April.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the inaugural function of the week-long festival as the chief guest along with the Special Guest, 7th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche. Shri Jambey Wangdi, Chairman of Religion and Cultural Affairs for Arunachal Pradesh, also took part in the event as the guest of honour. Other dignitaries and guests include heads of the three democratic pillars of CTA, Nechung Kuten, and notable former officials of the CTA.
Following the reception of guests, TIPA’s acting director introduced the origin of Shoton Festival and its subsequent developments to the Tibetan residents of Dharamshala and troupes amassed at the venue. Besides the Communist Party of China’s attempts to wipe out Tibetan identity, he said, “under the dynamic leadership of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama over the last 63 years, we have managed to preserve this tradition of opera in its truest form.”
In his remarks, Sikyong Penpa Tsering briefly recounted the story of yogi Thangtong Gyalpo, the founder of Tibetan opera (Ache Lhamo) who is well known for his social works in the 14th century, saying his benevolence should be echoed over simply enjoying the performances. He further elucidated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s contribution to the preservation of Tibetan opera while calling for innovations in narrating opera stories to younger generations to inherit. Emphasising the preservation of Tibetan opera and every other Tibetan tradition in general, Sikyong ensured facilitation from CTA and, at the same time, appealed Tibetans to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan cultures.
The eight Tibetan troupes, who were presented icons of Thangtong Gyalpo by the 7th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, will perform their respective stories of opera in the following days.
Access the Shoton Festival’s Program Schedule here:
Date | Time | Troupe | Story |
07 April | 9.00 am | THS, Mussoorie | Pema Woebar |
08 April | 9.00 am
2.00pm |
Poanta
Chaksampa, USA |
Sugyi Nyima
Choegyal Norsang |
09 April | 9.00 am | Kalimpong | Nangsa Woebum |
10 April | 9.00 am | Bhandara | Drowa Sangmo |
11 April | 9.00 am | Kollegal | Chungpo Dhonyo Dhondup |
12 April | 9.00 am | Nepal | Nangsa Woebum |
13 April | 9.00 am | TIPA | Choegyal Norsang |