More than 1,000 people joined a Paris march as Tibetan communities across France held events celebrating language, culture and traditions…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Tibetan communities in France held a week of cultural, religious and educational events from September 21 to 27 to mark Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week. More than 1,000 people joined a peace and cultural awareness march in Paris, while communities and schools organised activities promoting Tibetan language, culture and traditions.
The events were aimed at strengthening efforts to preserve Tibetan identity and cultural heritage among present and future generations, according to a statement from the Central Tibetan Administration.
What happened during Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week?
The week-long programme included religious ceremonies, cultural celebrations, educational sessions, exhibitions and public events across France.
On September 23, a Sang-sol, or incense offering, was held at the Pagode de Vincennes in the presence of monks and members of the local community.
Around 400 people gathered to celebrate Lhakar, taking part in activities including traditional Tibetan food, traditional clothing, tug-of-war, folk games and Gorshey.
The events brought together members of Tibetan communities and local supporters as part of efforts to highlight Tibetan cultural traditions.
How did Tibetan schools promote culture and identity?
Tibetan weekend schools also organised educational sessions during the fourth week of September.
Students were introduced to Tibetan culture and Buddhism, as well as the life story of the Dalai Lama.
The Central Tibetan Administration said the programmes were intended to help strengthen awareness of Tibetan language, culture, religion and traditions among younger generations.
Why did more than 1,000 people march in Paris?
More than 1,000 people took part in a peace and cultural awareness march in Paris on September 27.
The march began at Place Pasdeloup and ended at Place de la Bastille. It was jointly organised by six Tibetan organisations in Paris.
Participants wore traditional clothing representing different regions of Tibet during the march, which focused on cultural identity and awareness.
After the event, Pema Rinchen, president of the Tibetan Community in France, addressed the gathering and spoke about the objectives of the march.
Thupten Tsering, coordinator of the Bureau du Tibet in Paris, also addressed participants and read a message from Central Tibetan Administration President Penpa Tsering.
How are Tibetans in France being urged to preserve traditions?
The programme included a cultural exhibition and prayer session, while Tibetan communities, organisations and schools held additional awareness and cultural activities during the week.
The Office of Tibet in Paris urged Tibetans in France to use the Tibetan language, eat traditional Tibetan food and wear traditional Tibetan clothing at work, school and other activities.
It also encouraged members of the community to use social media and other platforms to share information about Tibetan culture, identity and traditions with audiences worldwide.
According to the Central Tibetan Administration, the initiatives were intended to contribute to greater awareness of Tibet’s cultural heritage and strengthen efforts to preserve Tibetan identity for future generations.
