Tibetans in Dharamsala welcomed the water sheep year with warm greetings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness gave a public audience in front of Tsuglakhang (main cathedral) in the morning of 3rd March at around 9.30 after the official and religious ceremonies were over.
To add splendor and enliven the festive mood, the Delhi-based rock band Parikrama presented few songs at the congregation. They started with a new song played with Drangyen (Tibetan lute) and a shade of Tibetan tune. This new composition is dedicated to the Tibetan people. As the show progressed the chilly wind that had persisted throughout the night continued to rattle the corrugated roof above the crowd. It also carried the song around to touch every soul present. To suit the occasion, the band did something unconventional by singing only slow numbers. Most of the songs paid tribute to the spirit of peace and compassion.
After the show was over, His Holiness greeted his people. He stressed on the need of practicing compassion as Buddhists and inculcating kindness and good heart. He explained the true meaning of ‘Tashi Delek’ which the Tibetans have used for ages to greet each other. He told that the greeting has a positive meaning, wishing for goodness and happiness for the other person. One must therefore observe good intentions and humane feeling from one’s heart while uttering the two words.
Since the Rock Bands had come all the way from Delhi, His Holiness conveyed his sincere gratitude for their support and praised their talents as musicians. He also thanked and wished all the other outsiders who have come to Dharamsala to celebrate the Losar as Tibet supporters. Though it was a cold windy morning, yet the ground in front of the Tsuglakhang was filled to the edge with devotees and supporters wrapped in their best festive dress. The morning function ended with special blessing to the organizers and artists of the Rock Concert.
