Tibetans in France cancel Losar celebrations in solidarity with Dingri earthquake victims

Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 14: The Tibetan community in France has announced the cancellation of this year’s Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations in solidarity with those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Shigatse Prefecture’s Dingri County and surrounding regions in Tibet. The decision comes as an expression of grief and support for the victims of the quake that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

The earthquake occurred at 9:05 AM on January 7, 2025, affecting several areas, including Lhatse, Dramtso, Chula, Tsogo, Sakya, Tingkye, and Ngamring. Chinese state media reported that as of January 9, 126 people had died, 337 were treated for injuries, with 246 discharged from the hospital, and around 3,600 houses destroyed. However, Voice of America Tibetan Service, citing reliable sources from inside Tibet, confirmed the death toll had risen to 134 as of January 14—higher than the figures reported by Chinese state-run media.

In response to the tragedy, the French Tibetan Association, in collaboration with the three traditional Provinces (Cholka Sum) organisations, issued a public announcement declaring the cancellation of Losar festivities. The statement highlighted the community’s commitment to honouring the memory of the victims and supporting those affected during this difficult time.

“Not only did many of our Tibetan brothers and sisters lose their lives, but there was also severe damage to both people and property,” the announcement read. “In light of this tragic situation, we have unanimously decided to cancel this year’s Tibetan New Year celebrations.” The announcement urged all Tibetan residents in France, both laypeople and monastics, to observe the cancellation in solidarity with those impacted by the disaster.

World leaders and representatives have expressed their condolences to the victims of the earthquake. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te conveyed his sympathy in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Our thoughts are with the people of Tibet and the surrounding areas impacted by the devastating earthquake. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families, and we pray that rescue and aid efforts reach those in need to ensure a swift recovery.” 

The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also expressed condolences, writing, “Government and people of India express condolences on the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region.”

Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State, wrote, “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to respond to requests for US government assistance.”

Other world leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya, French President Emmanuel Macron, US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also extended their solidarity with Tibetans and offered humanitarian assistance if needed.

The Tibetan government in exile organised a special prayer service at the Dalai Lama Temple in McLeodganj to mourn the lives lost in the earthquake. This was followed by a candlelight vigil at McLeodganj’s Main Square, collectively organised by Tibetan NGO’s. Across the Tibetan diaspora, similar prayer services and candlelight vigils have been held to express solidarity with the earthquake victims and their families.