By IVY McNALLY Colorado Daily Staff
“Free Tibet” bumper stickers are as common in Boulder as unleashed dogs and flip-flop-sporting skateboarders. The state of Colorado is home to approximately 200 Tibetan refugees, and many have chosen to settle in our enclave of human-rights enthusiasts.
However, there are still those here that remain unfamiliar with the culture of the Tibetan people – and with their ongoing crusade to preserve their heritage and regain their political freedom. For those who support the people of Tibet and those who wish to learn more about their cause, the Tibetan Association of Colorado presents its Second Annual World Tibet Day.
World Tibet Day is celebrated in about 60 cities around the world in order to share the culture and traditions of Tibetans, and to celebrate the birthday of the Dalai Lama. According to spokesperson Losang Gyatso, it is a rare opportunity for the Tibetan organization to celebrate and share their values, as many of their activities often serve a more serious political purpose.
Since 1949 Tibetans have fought against being conquered by and assimilated into the People’s Republic of China, the government of which they believe has attempted to change the character and identity of their nation and its people. Their exiled government and leader – the Dalai Lama – are seated in Dharamsala in northern India. Many Tibetans fled into India, while others reached areas of Europe and the United States.
“As Tibetan exiles go, we’re probably the luckiest to be in the U.S.,” Gyatso said, “to send our kids to decent schools and have many opportunities to make a living.”
Still, when it comes to preserving their heritage within the melting pots of American communities, many Tibetans face a lack of resources, especially when it comes to raising their children with a dual cultural upbringing. According to Gyatso, many Tibetan parents work two jobs and are unfamiliar with American school systems.
“A lot of times teenagers kind of go astray in communities in the U.S.,” he said.
One of Gyatso’s hopes for the World Tibet Day event is that it will expose Tibetan youths to the Boulder community’s interest in their culture and help them to develop an appreciation for their background. In fact, several Tibetan teens and students will take part in emceeing the event, assisting performers and running information booths.
Throughout the day music and dance performances will take place at the Central Park band shell, including Wendy Woo, the Freak Street Project, a song and dance performance by children of Jah Lopta, the Saturday Tibetan children’s school; and a performance by Nawang Khechog, the world-renowned and Grammy-nominated flutist who has collaborated with artists such as David Bowie, Michael Stipe and Patty Smith, and who provided music for the soundtrack of the film “Seven Years in Tibet.”
Now a resident of Boulder, Khechog will take a one-day break from his touring schedule to bring his message to this community. At 10 a.m. he will lead prayer chanting at the park while Jedha offerings are made to the Dalai Lama to commemorate his 69th birthday.
World Tibet Day will also feature many food and arts booths, and informative exhibits including an exhibition of photos of repression in Tibet – some of which were taken from Chinese security-camera videos smuggled out of the country – to help people in the Boulder community learn about the political struggles faced in China.
On a brighter note, a new addition to the event this year is a special children’s tent where kids can make prayer flags, color Tibetan designs and learn about Tibetan cultural songs and dances. Gyatso, a contemporary artist, will show his paintings, as will traditional painter Jampel Tsultrim.
This is the second year of the event, and Gyatso hopes that the event will become a major annual event in Boulder.
“We want the community to come down, bring themselves and their children for the festival,” Gyatso said. “It really should be a party for everyone.”
World Tibet Day will take place in Boulder’s Central Park at Canyon Boulevard and Broadway on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free.
