Paris: Held in the lush and green Bois de Vincennes, east of Paris, the 23rd Cultural Festival of Tibet and the Himalayan Peoples opened its doors this weekend for a colourful celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Tibet and the Himalayan region. The event kicked off on Friday 14 June with a poetry reading at 6pm, followed by an opening concert at 8pm. The festivities continued throughout Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, with a host of activities to entertain visitors.
From 10.00am., the festival gates opened to welcome visitors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The festival commenced with the traditional procession with monks carrying the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama accompanied by the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rigzin Genkhang, Venerable Superior Thich Quang Dao, Khahn Anh pagoda, Coordinator Thupten Tsering, both Members of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Europe, Ms Geneviève Garrigos, Counsellor at the Paris City hall, Mr Guy Tabacchi, Deputy Mayor of Paris 12th, Vice-President of the Tibetan Community and long time friend and former Senator André Gattolin. After His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait was installed on the throne guests presented khatag, chanted prayers for His Holiness’ long life and a sang-sol was performed to purify the venue.
Following this, Representative Genkhang stressed the importance of such events aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and solidarity among different communities. She also urged the audience not to forget the critical situation of Tibet.
Following this, Mr Tabacchi and Ms Garrigos both expressed their delight at being present at the festival, which brings diversity to the city whilst preserving Tibetan culture and traditions.
Venerable Superior Thich Quang Dao recalled his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the margins of the International Sangha Forum in Bodhgaya in December last year and His Holiness’ message of compassion and peace. Both Members of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile underscored the importance of organizing such cultural events and thanked the organisers.
One of the highlights of the event was the creation of the Sand Mandala of Compassion by monks, a thousand-year-old tradition symbolizing the impermanence of life. Visitors were also able to admire contemporary paintings by late Tibetan artist Chungpo Rigtselwa and exhibitions on the self-immolations by Catalan artist Pau Nubiolo in the pagoda.
Stands run by individual businesses, various associations, Buddhist centers and artists catered to the public. Majority of the stands sold a mix of Tibetan and Himalayan artifacts including spices. The festive ambiance created by the musical backdrop: dance performances on stage by dance troupes of the Tibetan Community, various Tibetan associations and weekend Tibetan school added to the event’s cultural richness.
The atmosphere was enlivened by meditation and yoga-energy workshop sessions, and presentations of stories and poetry for all ages and levels.
Representative Genkhang and Ms Dominique Remy-Granger representing Ms Elisabeth Badinter participated in a round table discussion on “Resistance through law” to pay tribute to late Robert Badinter, former justice Minister of France who enacted abolition of death penalty in France in 1981 and a good and long time friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This attracted many participants interested in the legal issues surrounding Tibet.
On the large lakeside stage, visitors were treated to traditional Tibetan performances, dances and songs from the three main regions of Tibet: Utsang, Kham and Amdo. The performances were magnificently executed, highlighting the cultural richness of this mountainous region.
In addition to the performances, visitors were introduced to associations supporting Tibet, offering an opportunity to get involved in an important cause. Cambodian and Vietnamien dancers also enlivened the afternoon, offering a cultural diversity that delighted the public.
At the end of the day, the scattering of the sand mandala marked the end of the event, symbolising the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new chapter. The acknowledgements and announcements were followed by a traditional circle dance, allowing the audience to join in and celebrate the richness of Tibetan culture.
Under the supervision of Representative Genkhang, Thupten Tsering, Coordinator, Bureau du Tibet, and Jigme Dorji, Secretary, Maison du Tibet, led the festival with assistance from Tenzin Nordhen, Accountant, and Tenzin Phuntsok, EU Advocacy Officer deployed from Bureau du Tibet, Brussels. The Festival is made possible largely due to the contribution of hundreds of steadfast volunteers who show up to help every year and fittingly, during the closing ceremony Representative Genkhang and her team therefore expressed gratitude for their hard work.
Despite the capricious weather, over 5000 visitors attended the festival. All in all, the Cultural Festival of Tibet and the Himalayan Peoples was a success, offering visitors an authentic immersion in Tibetan culture, while supporting important humanitarian initiatives. This annual event is a must for anyone interested in culture and opening up to the world
