Tibet Exhibition Attracts Thousands of Visitors at Kullu Dussehra Festival Thursday, 8 October 2009, 3:29 p.m.

Visitors observe photo exhibition on the 50th anniversary of exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetans, and to express gratitude to India, at the week-long Kullu Dussehra festival

Dharamshala: Thousands of local Indians and tourists, consisting of both Indians and foreigners, visited a seven-day photo exhibition on Tibet during the famous Dussehra festival at the picturesque north Indian hill station of Kullu, from 28 September to 4 October.Kullu Valley, also known as the “Valley of Gods”, is well known for the seven day festival of Kullu Dussehra, a celebration of the mythical Lord Rama’s victory over the evil king Ravana. The photo exhibition, which showcased the 50 years of successful achievements of Tibetans in exile in the preservation and promotion of Tibet’s cultural heritage under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was organised by the Tibetan Settlement Office, Kullu.  The event is also an expression of gratitude to the government and people of India for their generous support for the Tibetan people.Speaking to Tibet.net, the Tibet Museum staff Ms. Tenzin Sangmo said: “The event drew thousands of enthusiastic visitors during the week-long photo exhibition, free medical checkup by the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute and cultural performances by Tibetan schoolchildren.” Tibetan children from Tibetan Children’s Village school, Patlikul, performed at the International folk dance festival at Kala Kendra. Dance troupes from different regions of Himachal Pradesh presented their folk songs and dances.Chief Minister Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal graced the last day of the Dussehra festival, and he was greeted by Kullu Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mr. Aangkyitsang Gonpo Tashi. Mr B N Nanda, the deputy commissioner of Kullu district, visited the photo exhibition.  He was honoured by the Tibetan community with a shawl and Khatag, an auspicious white scarf.More pictures:

Cultural performance by Tibetans during the event marking 50 years of Tibetans in exile and Thank You India at Kullu

Tibetan group performs Tashi Shoelpa, an auspicious Tibetan dance

Medical team from the Men-Tsee Khang, Tibetan Medical and Astro-Institute give free medical checkup during the festival

Tibetan community serve refreshments to the visitors

Shiv Chand Thakur, (1st L), president of Kullu Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, at the photo exhibition

Kullu Tibetan Settlement Officer Mr. A. G. Tashi (R) and Mr Shiv Chand Thakur, President, Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, (L) honour Tibetan artists