London: The Eyarth House in Wales once again hosted Tibet Day, an event held every 2 years during summer in the garden to celebrate and share Tibetan culture with the local community. Organised by long-time Tibet supporter Zara Fleming and her family, who have been holding Tibet Days since 1997, the event aims to introduce Tibetan culture to the neighbourhood and inspire new supporters for the Tibetan cause.

Travelling from London, Representative Tsering Yangkey attended the Tibet Day celebrations, accompanied by the Secretary and Accountant of the Office of Tibet.

Visitors were greeted by colourful Tibetan prayer flags lining the path from the main entrance to Eyarth House, alongside a series of placards sharing facts about the situation inside Tibet. The main garden, bathed in summer sunshine, was transformed with Tibetan-style tents and gazebos housing stalls selling Tibetan food and merchandise to raise funds for charitable causes.

Around 150 visitors gathered to experience a taste of Tibet in the Welsh countryside. The programme opened with prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, chanted by Kachen Stanba of Chode Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, setting an auspicious tone for the day.

In her opening address, Representative Yangkey expressed heartfelt gratitude to Zara Fleming and her family for their decades of steadfast commitment to Tibet, particularly for this year’s event held in collaboration with the Tibetan Community in Britain – North Chapter, in honour of the Year of Compassion marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama.

Representative Yangkey highlighted the Four Principal Commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and encouraged attendees to reflect upon and incorporate these values in their daily lives.

The event featured a range of activities, including a powerful presentation by Pema Yoko of Tibet Action Institute, who spoke about the Chinese colonial boarding school system in Tibet, referencing their recently published report. Tibetan musician and artist Ngawang Lodup captivated the audience with his melodious songs, including a heartfelt tribute to His Holiness.

Members of the Tibetan Community in Britain – North Chapter, led by Chair Lodoe Gyaltsen, performed traditional Tibetan dances, later inviting attendees to join a group circle dance, much to the delight of all who eagerly learned Tibetan dance steps.

To honour Zara Fleming’s enduring support, Representative Yangkey presented her with a khata and a scroll painting of Lord Buddha and a framed portrait of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama.

This year’s Tibet Day in Wales not only rekindled the spirit of Tibet support in the region but also sparked meaningful conversations on Tibet among attendees, reinforcing the shared commitment to the Tibetan cause within the local and wider community.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London