DHARAMSHALA, January 19: The city of Brisbane, Australia, will bear witness to what the organizers call a “varied and engaging” experience through the Festival of Tibet, that began today at the Brisbane Power House.
The weeklong festival, running into its seventh year, is aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of Tibet among the Australians and also to help the Tibetan refugee children in India and Nepal through the income generated from the ticketed events and sales.
“Not only does the Festival offer audiences varied and engaging experiences through its mix of free and ticketed events, it raises much needed funds for the Tibetan refugee community with all proceeds going to the Tibetan Children’s Village schools in India,” said Tenzin Choegyal, a well known Tibetan singer who has made a mark for himself in the Tibetan folk music, and who is almost one of the forces behind this festival.
“The festival is a great way of sharing the Buddhist culture and tradition with the people of the northeastern states, and also a wonderful way to build a lasting friendship with our brothers and sisters from the northeast,” said Choegyal.
Jetsun Pema, sister of the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and known for her decades of work for the Tibetan refugee children in India, will attend the opening of the festival as a guest. UNESCO medal winner and first female Minister of the Tibetan Government in exile, Ama la (mother), as she is lovingly known, will reflect on her experiences at a special forum and concert during the festival.
The festival, from 19 – 25 January, will also hold Photo exhibition, film screenings, talks and seminars to educate the visitors about Tibet’s history, culture and religion.
The opening concert will feature the popular international performers, Deva Premal and Miten. Deva and MIten will have just completed a 25 country world tour and are looking forward to presenting their evening of chanting ‘Prayers for Peace’ in support of the people of Tibet.
The festival also features ‘Women with Wisdom’, a special night of music and inspirational conversation with Tencho Gyatso, (former member of Tibetan parliament and a niece of His Holiness Dalai Lama), Meshel Laurie, Kerry Armstrong, Tenzin Choegyal and the Tarella Strings. The event will be moderated by Gabriel Lafitte, a Tibet scholar based in Australia.
Art exhibition by a noted Tibetan artist Karma Phuntsok will showcase contemporary Tibetan art and paintings, which will be available for purchase for festival visitors.
The festival is sponsored by Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane Powerhouse, Perfect Potion and supported Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd, Tibet Information Office, Himalayan Film Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Australia Tibet Council, Chenrezig Institute, Tibetan Education Fund, Chris Hooper Promotions and Tibetan Community of Queensland Inc.
