News and Views on Tibet

Candle Light Vigil and Shave Your Head for Tibet in New York

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New York, April 11 – Tibetans and supporters gathered at Union Square to observe “Shave Your Head for Tibet”. A candle light vigil was also held at the same time to mourn the killings of Tibetans in Tibet during the recent military crackdown. The gathering attracted a lot of curious New Yorkers and tourists.

“We are gathered here in solidarity with all the Tibetans who were killed by the brutal Chinese regime. By shaving our heads, we mourn for them. By holding candle light vigil, we pray for them” said Mr. Tsering Palden, President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York & New Jersey.

The day also marked the 4th week of candle light vigil and prayers held by the Tibetans and supporters in New York for those killed in Tibet. Tibetans regard the fourth week as specially significant, because some say that most ordinary beings do not stay in the bardo longer than four weeks. The candle light vigil will continue to be held every friday until the seventh week.

The candles were arranged in 9 letters. After they were lit, it was loud and clear – FREE TIBET. As the prayers started, so did the shaving of heads. A large group of Tibetans sat down for the shave, who were then joined one by one by others. An older woman and one Tibetan girl also had their head shaved. Joining in the crowd were several American supporters. Among them was a gentleman named Roger Schimberg who was very supportive of the Tibetan struggle. Tibetans are ever grateful for all the support shown by the international community. All in all, about a hundred people got their heads shaved.

The night ended with the Tibetan National Anthem. However the spirit of Tibetan freedom struggle goes on. Tibetans and supporters in New York have been holding protest demonstrations at the Chinese consulate everyday since the protests in Tibet began. The candle light vigil for those killed in Tibet are being held every Friday. Human rights torch will be held on April 13 followed by Matyrs’ day on April 14, Independence torch relay on April 27 and many more. Lets keep up the momentum.

Photos by Tenzin Dorjee

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