Paris, France: The 19th Himalayan Festival was inaugurated yesterday at Bois de Vincennes, a suburban park in Paris, by Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, Representative of Office of Tibet, Brussels.

In his inaugural speech, he recalled the objective of the Festival which is to bring attention to Tibetan culture, religion, language and history to the people of France.

“Having celebrated for 19 times, the festival has become an important milestone” said Mr. Tashi Phuntsok

The Festival began with the display of the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama transported from Kagyu Dzong followed by an elaborate ritual. Once the portrait was enthroned and scarves presented, the full recitation of prayers for incense burning ceremony (sangsol) was carried out by a group of monks.

Organised by  Maison du Tibet (Tibet House) of Bureau du Tibet (Office of Tibet), Paris, with Namgyal Samdup la and Jigmey la at the helms, the Festival will be celebrated for two days. A concert was also held where nearly 2000 people enjoyed the night-long concert .

 

During the festival, there will be a discourse on Buddhism, dances and musical presentations, sand mandala, lectures, cultural presentation by the Tibetan community and even an exhibition of Tibetan apsos. In earlier years yaks were brought from the Alps for the exhibition. Various Tibetan associations, Tibetan traders and restaurant owners exhibit their wares or sell their products or dish out delicious Tibetan cuisine for the patrons.

Throughout many years of the Festival, its success has been due to the cooperations of the Tibetan Community in France, various associations, traders and restauranteurs. The backbone of which has been the tireless band of volunteers.

-Filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels