Rebgong mourns self-immolations on New Year/ENG

2012. február 3./CTA/WTN/TibetPress

DHARAMSHALA: Even though 23 January marks the New Year for Tibetans
in Amdo, Tibetans in Rebgong have shunned the celebrations to mourn
and offer prayers for those who have self-immolated for freedom in
Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland.

Reports coming from Rebgong say the entire region eschewed pomp
celebrations and observed only the traditional ceremonies during
the customary 1, 3, 5, and 9th day of the New year. Instead, the
expenses would be devoted for prayer services such as butter lamp
and prayer offerings.

Every member of the family and the administration recited prayers
since the first day of the New Year. All the people took part in a
prayer service on the ninth day and offered butter lamps. The
expenses for the concluding day will be used in prayer services on
the 15th day of the New Year at Rongbo and other monasteries for
those who have self-immolated for the cause of Tibet, the report
says.