20th International Himalayan Festival kicks off/ENG

2015. december 10./Phayul.com/TibetPress

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By Tenzin Monlam

DHARAMSHALA, December 10: The Indo Tibetan Friendship Association (ITFA) on Thursday hosted the 20th International Himalayan Festival at Hotel Bhagsu, a government-run hotel in McLeod Ganj, commemorating the 26th year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Balbir Thakur, Additional District Magistrate of Kangra attended the function as the chief guest in lieu of Sudhir Sharma, Minister of Urban Development, who could not attend due to official engagements. Tibetan Prime Minister (Sikyong) Lobsang Sangay also attended the gathering as a guest of honor.

Braving the cold winter weather and the drizzle. Tibetans and Indians gathered in strong numbers to support the two-day festival, which aims at enhancing the friendship and the bond between the two communities.

“Due to the invasion of Tibet, His Holiness and Tibetans had taken refuge in India. No country has done what Indian government and its people have done for us. So I thank you all from my heart for all the support and love,” the Tibetan PM said in Hindi.

He also added that His Holiness has chosen the beautiful state of Himachal (Dharamshala) as his home away from home for over 50 years and that for all those years Tibetans and Indians have coexisted as a family.

“We should all work towards strengthening and maintaining the relationship we have developed over the years.”

The Chief Guest Balbir Thakur said Tibetans have become an integral part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, assuring support to the Tibetans from the Himachalis. “I wish and hope that you (Tibetans) will be able to return to your country. Every human being wishes to return to his or her country, so I wish you the best for every future endeavors,” said Balbir Thakur.

Cultural troupes from various part of the state performed folk dances. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) also took part in the festival representing the Tibetans.

Speaker Penpa Tsering and Divisional Commissioner of Kangra district will be the chief guest for the second day of the festival.