Odisha: The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) staged a two-day cultural programme at Odisha Phuntsok Ling Tibetan Settlement this week, marking the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the observance of the Year of Compassion.

Held alongside the 29th Shoton Festival, the event drew more than 500 residents and featured traditional Tibetan opera, music and dance, underscoring ongoing efforts within exile communities to sustain cultural identity. Organisers said the programme reflected His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s long-standing call to preserve Tibetan religion and heritage while strengthening community life in settlements across India.

The performances, held on the evenings of the 21 and 22 March at a public ground near the local Tibetan Settlement Office, were attended by senior religious figures, including Kyabje Jigme Rinpoche, head of Thubten Mendrol Ling Monastery, and Kyabje Geypa Dorje Rinpoche.

The first evening showcased traditional songs and dances, while the second featured a play titled “Tibet Under Oppression,” addressing conditions inside Tibet. Audience members responded with a mix of appreciation and emotion, and local community leaders praised the initiative for bringing cultural programming to the settlement.

Organisers said the programme was designed not only to commemorate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s milestone birthday but also to engage younger Tibetans and raise awareness about contemporary issues facing Tibetans. Community elders welcomed the event and called for sustained efforts to preserve and promote Tibetan cultural traditions.

For many in attendance, the performances marked a rare opportunity to experience TIPA’s work first hand, renewing interest among younger generations and reinforcing cultural ties within the community.

-Report filed by Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts