Over 700 eager and passionate Tibetans of New York and New Jersey thronged inside the Armenian Church in Manhattan, New York to celebrate the 2nd annual Tibet Fest – an evening of Tibetan cultural dance, music and songs- organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey.
The event filled program commenced with the enthronement of the picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, followed by Mendel Tensum (Tibetan Religious offering) and the Tibetan National Anthem.
Dr. Ngawang Rabgyal, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas, presided over as the chief guest of the function. Mr. Rhichoe Yuthok, President and Mr. Kelsang Dorjee, accountant of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of Toronto, Canada were invited as the special guests of the function.
Mr. Kunga Thinley, President of the RTYC New York and New Jersey welcomed the guests and members in his opening speech. Mr. Ngawang Palden, General Secretary and Mr. Jampa Yonten, Culture Secretary took over the stage as the Master of the ceremony.
The cultural event started at around 7.30 pm with performances by Cholsum Tibetan Dance Group and Sunday School of New York and New Jersey. Some of the other favorites were melodious numbers by ex-TIPA performers, Lhaksam, Toshi Kuga, Tenor and the list goes on and on…
The main show which filled the milieu of the function was “Jampa Dolma la” by Phurbu T. Namgyal, Tibetan modern pop artist from Minnesota. Phurbu T. Namgyal also played some other popular numbers and some from his new album.
Pak-Dren-Dur (Dough molding/kneading Competition) and Chupa-Dren-Dur (Chupa Wearing Competition) were hit among the sporty guys. Tibetans of all ages showed their full enthusiasm and zeal, taking part in the competition. A group of Tibetan woman and man had eye-to-eye confrontation while Dza-Lhu (Tibetan Love Songs) flowed from their ever-young hearts.
Bha-Shey and Gor-Shey lasted until 3.00 am in the morning. “I am so glad that the Youth Congress, since last year, organized such a nice function exclusively filled with our own rich culture. We should have more functions like this so to encourage and built interest about our culture to the younger generation. All in all, Tibet Fest is my favorite festival,” said Tsetan Lhagyal, reluctantly looking at others like him who were not willing to leave the place when the clock hit three in the morning.
