Angers, France April 24 – Foire d’ Anger, the annual trade fair at Angers, a town southwest of the French capital, began on 22 April. The theme of the fair is “Peoples of Himalaya” showcasing the mystique of Tibet through an exhibition of Tibetan culture.
The fair has been organised by “Angers Expo Congres”. The mayor of the town, Jean Claude Antonini accompanied by other important dignitaries were greatly impressed by the Tibet exhibition during their visit to the fair on the opening day.
Despite cold and windy weather, people thronged the stands displaying Tibetan scroll art (thangka), Tibetan stone carving art, religious artefacts, traditional costumes etc. A group called PACE, in conjunction with ‘Tibet Art’, a Tibetan cultural and art enterprise, based in the French capital has taken part in several fairs in the last few years. The first Tibet exhibition organised by PACE in the French town called Niort was blessed by a visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who kindly inaugurated the fair.
The fairs, according to Alexander Cavalli of PACE, aim to create awareness about Tibet through its culture and religion.
Visitors seem enthralled to see Geshe Thupten Tenpa of Drepung Loseling monastery create a sand mandala of Buddha Amitayu as Dorjee Sangpo explained the significance of the mandala.
“Tibet possesses a rich cultural heritage which we yearn to make the French people know about”, says Alexander Cavalli and Pascal of PACE.
“People in France revere His Holiness the Dalai Lama so much, and are fond of Tibet and Tibetans. I feel honoured to be a part of all this”, reckons Dorjee Sangpo of Tibet Art.
There is apparently a strong enthusiasm among the residents about the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Rennes, France, in July.
The fair concludes on 1 May.
