By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, September 20 – Tibetans in Nepal celebrated and expressed joy over the US Congressional gold medal award and granting of honorary Canadian citizenship to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by offering sangso’ (Incense burning religious ceremony) and hoisting prayer flags for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The ceremony was carried out at the Swayambu Stupa, a holy buddhist stupa on top of the Swayambu hill located in west Kathmandu valley. The Bö Tsokpa (Association of Elderly Tibetans) of the Swayambu area organized the ceremonial gathering. After sangsol, the gathered public sang the Tibetan national anthem and Tsemed Yonten (long life prayer for His Holiness).
Mr. Phenpo Gyaltsen, a local entrepreneur said, “I think this is a great honor and respect bestowed on His Holiness by the governments of United States of America and Canada to give these awards to Him. I think the deeds of His Holiness is honored and respected all over the world. He is an apostle of peace. He has traveled all over the World and advocated peace. It is a source of joy and pride for all Tibetans and we are very, very happy and proud about it. As Tibetan, I think we should all listen to His Holiness with our hearts and follow Him honestly”.
Mr. Norbu, the Tibetan chief of Swayambu and City area of Kathmandu said that it is of utmost importance for Tibetans at this time to do everything for the long life of His Holiness and urged Tibetans to attend such functions in the future also. He also urged the gathered to participate and support such events organized by any associations and thanked those who have come from the Boudha area to attend the function.
