His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday was celebrated with much joy and gusto in Paris. As usual it was jointly organised at the Pagoda, Bois de Vincennce, by the Tibetan Comunity in France and the Bureau du Tibet, on July 6. Coming as does after their fresh elections a week ago, the new board members of the Tibetan community took upon themselves to organise it with equal zest and anxiety. The whole of Saturday was spent in making preparations for the Sunday gala- putting up of stage, cooking of food and making khapse for sales.
The Sunday morning celebartions began with transporting of His Holiness’s portrait from the near by Kagyu Dzong to the stage accompanied by monastic music led by Lama Gyurme. The Representative, Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, Dagpo Rinpoche and Thupten Gyatso, President of Tibetan community and Mr Ngawang Dakpa formed the entourage. Once the portrait was installed at the throne on the stage, Lama Gyurme, in his now famous in France voice, began to chant the prayers for trijol. It was followed by brief speeches from Mr. Thupten Gyatso. and the Representative. He also offered Khatas to the old and new members of Tibetan Community board in France. Dagpo Rinpoche then gave an hour long teachings on basic Buddhism. The formal ceremony concluded with a rousing lhagyal by all present, Tibetans and foreigners.
After a lunch break – when the people had satiated their hunger with Tibetan community food and thirst with Tibetan tea, the more spirited cultural programme began at 3pm. This went on for about 3 hours until the celebrations terminated with a few gorshays.There was indeed much variety in cultural performances. Not only the Tibetan communiy dancers were present. There was the White Crane Group and also by Mr. Tsering Wangd and his team. The highlight was yak and snow lion dances by Tsering Wangdi and his group. The crowd, though a little samller than last year, had a good day.
Earlier, on July 4 the Office of Tibet hosted a formal cock-tail reception. The successful reception was attended by about 90 people, amongst whom were diplomats, politicians, government officials, lamas and Geshi’s from Buddhists centres, TSGs and Tibetans, and some Chinese. Ms Ngawang Sangdrol, who had a successful visit to the city, was also present.
