Paris, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : Tibetan communities and organizations in Paris recently celebrated the Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week from September 21 to 27. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and promote efforts to preserve Tibetan identity, language, culture, religion, and traditions.
According to a statement from the Central Tibetan Administration, a ceremonial offering of incense, known as Sang-Sol, took place on September 23 at the Pagode de Vincennes, attended by monks and local community members. Approximately 400 people gathered to celebrate Lhakar, enjoying traditional Tibetan food, dressing in traditional attire, and participating in games like tug-of-war and other folk activities.
During the weekend of September 23-24, students from weekend schools were introduced to various aspects of Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and the life story of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
On September 27, a peace and cultural awareness march was held in Paris, starting from Place de la Bastille and moving to Place des Écoles. Over 1,000 participants, including members from six Tibetan organizations, donned traditional attire from their respective regions of Tibet.
After the march, Pema Rinchen, the president of the Tibetan community in France, addressed the gathering, outlining the objectives of the march. Thupten Tsering, coordinator of the Bureau du Tibet in Paris, read a message from Penpa Tsering, the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, emphasizing the significance of celebrating the fourth week of September as Tibetan Identity Preservation Week.
The week also featured cultural exhibitions and prayer sessions. Throughout the week, Tibetan communities, local organizations, and schools organized various awareness and cultural programs, engaging local Tibetans and supporters. The Central Tibetan Administration stated that these initiatives aimed to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote the Tibetan language, culture, traditions, and national identity for current and future generations.
The Tibet Office in Paris encouraged Tibetans to use the Tibetan language in work, school, and other activities, enjoy traditional Tibetan food, and wear traditional clothing. It also urged Tibetans to utilize social media and other platforms to share information about Tibetan culture, identity, and traditions with people worldwide, thereby contributing to greater awareness and understanding of Tibet’s cultural heritage.
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