DHARAMSHALA, February 24: The US government, for the first time ever, celebrated the Tibetan New Year 2142 by hosting an official reception which was attended by Tibetan Americans, diplomats, State Department officials and other dignitaries on Monday.
Bhuchung Tsering, Vice President of the International Campaign for Tibet, called it a recognition of Tibetan American culture and its contribution to American society. “We are pleased to see the US Government taking this initiative,” said Bhuchung.
Under Secretary of State Sarah Sewall, who is also the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, welcomed the guests and shared her experience of interacting with the Tibetan community during her trip to India and Nepal last year.
The former Special Envoy of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyari, talked about the symbolism and significance of the Tibetan New Year (Losar) for the Tibetan people. Gyari also said he saw the reception as the U.S. Government implementing its policy “to assist in preserving the distinct religious, cultural and linguistic heritage of Tibetan people.”
President of Capital Area Tibetan Association, Rigdhen Dolma, said that this reception was another significant event in the lives of the Tibetan American community coming at the heels of the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Prayer Breakfast.
The reception included performance of traditional and auspicious songs, offering of Chang (Tibetan rice beer), cookies and ceremonial offerings.
