Women Lead Tibet at New York’s Cultural Parade
NEW YORK, 18 July 2005 (www.tibetoffice.org)– Gone are the days when America was seen as a crucible in which all the different cultures melted to form a single entity. The fabled “melting pot” does not apply to America any longer. America today is a quintessential mosaic of multiculturism, one which actively encourages diversity as a healthy thing.
An indication of this can be seen at Saturday’s 20th International Cultures Parade, which saw participation by immigrants from most parts of the globe, their very, many national costumes creating a riot of colours.
For the third year, the Tibetans added their own sight and sound to the parade, signifying their arrival on the American mosaic.
The Tibetan participation was organized by the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association with the support of the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey.
Tibetans proudly showed to the world the rich cultural heritage of Tibet, said a women’s association press statement.
“This year choelsum dance group performed Tashi Shoepa and Yak dance on Avenues of America in New York. …American spectators were delighted to see the yak dance and Tashi Shoepa from Roof of the World.”
Leading the Tibetan contingent were two girls carrying a banner that announced “International Immigrants Foundation presents Tibet”.
A pickup truck carried a framed picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a flag of the United States and Tibet on either side.
“Next came a throne of His Holiness the Dalai Lama carried by handsome Tibetan men dressed in chupa, followed by a huge national flag of Tibet which was carried by proud eight Tibetans,” the women’s associations said.
The throne carriers were followed by the yak dance, which became a huge hit with the spectators. The yak dancers, in turn, were followed by the performances of Tashi Shoepa and Gorshey.
Americans were clapping their hands as we marched. They shouted words of encouragement like “We love you Tibet”, and “Free Tibet”, the women reported.