Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the final day of the 27th Shoton Festival. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Dharamshala: On the closing ceremony of the 27th Tibetan Shoton Festival in exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the event as chief guest and underlined the particular regard that His Holiness the Dalai Lama accorded to the tradition of Tibetan lhamo (opera) in his address.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, in his keynote speech, succinctly shed light on the origin, development, and types of Tibetan opera that continue to persist in exile irrespective of any challenges. Sikyong said, “This lhamo tradition has thrived so far all due to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s special consideration and blessings”, stating, “The Kashag is committed to safeguarding rich and unique heritages of Tibet, including the tradition of lhamo as per His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s noble motives”. While acknowledging that successive Kashags have rendered support to the sustenance of lhamo troupes, the Tibetan political leader commended Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts-led Tibetan troupes, individuals and patrons for their dedicated efforts and contributions to preserving and promoting Tibetan opera. Furthermore, Sikyong encouraged students of Sambhota Tibetan schools to enrol themselves in the troupes of their respective settlements.

With interlinking the three portents—the longevity of lhamo’s founder yogi Thangtong Gyalpo, the prayers offered for King Depa Tenpa’s long reign on the final day’s lhamo story, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s constant assurance of living up to 113 years, Sikyong prayed for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life before concluding his address. 

Along with Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the concluding ceremony of this year’s Shoton Festival was attended by special guests Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Liaison Officer Deepak Padmakumar, Election and Public Service Commissioner Wangdue Tsering Pesur, Secretaries of Central Tibetan Administration and Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, abbot of the Gyuto Monastery, and representatives from Tibetan NGOs and institutions.  

Honourable guests of the 27th Shoton Festival’s closing ceremony in their seat on the top floor. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the final day of the 27th Shoton Festival. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Artist from TIPA performing King Depa Tenpa on the festival’s final day. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA