By Ben Tsui
Tashi Delek and a warm Western Canadian “Howdy” birthday greeting to His Holiness!
Calgary, (Alberta, Canada), July 7: Despite this weekend’s annual Calgary Stampede cowboy festival, otherwise known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, it did not deter the dedicated local Tibetan Community of Alberta (TCA) from celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 72nd birthday!
A simple group prayer session, Sangsol ceremony and the singing of Tibet’s official national anthem were held earlier in the morning at the Rosscarrock Community Hall. Current TCA President Tashi Phuntsok proclaimed, “This is a very auspicious day for all Tibetans!”.
In the evening, a savory pot-luck dinner feast was generously offered to everyone. Over 150 Tibetan community members and VIP guests queued around several long serving tables to sample the homemade vegetarian cuisines. President Tashi Phuntsok explained that eating a vegan diet on the Dalai Lama’s birthday was strictly adhered because it will help removing personal obstacles.
He also read aloud a six page message from Kashag to the Calgary audience during the dinner break. Outside the community hall, TCA member Jigme Dhogonpa affirmed that, “This is a great occasion for all Tibetans to get together. We don’t usually get to see everyone much like this.”
After eating, everyone was thoroughly entertained by a lively selection of traditional Tibetan folk songs and dances performed by the talented TCA youth dancers and musicians. They were under the creative guidance of local dance choreographer and music teacher Norbu Khangsarla.
TCA member Yeshi Lhamo hoped that H.H.’s birthday could free fellow humans from constant suffering. Tseden Dhogonpa, President of the local chapter for Tibet Canada Women’s Foundation also found that celebrating H.H.’s birthday is very good. She appreciated and valued the Dalai Lama’s work for the Tibetan cause. Tseden added, “To me, He symbolizes peace!”
Visiting Federal Canadian Member of Parliment Rob Anders for Calgary West was very excited and much honored to cut the oversized birthday cake on this special occasion. He also awarded a number of “Certificates of Appreciation from the Office of Tibet in New York” to past executive members who served on the TCA Board since 2000, including former president Kalsang Nardechen.
Local Tibetan real estates agent Rato Dorji, dressed in a tough bright pink Stampede cowboy shirt to promote a local breast cancer fighting charity campaign, led the frenzied partiers young and old into sing-along and gorshey circle dances well into the sweltering summer night.
Local shopkeeper Lobsang Kayap added, “Since we have Tashi Phuntsokla as our new community president now, the party just got more fun!”
Young Canadian Bryn McLean and his father traveled 297 km from Edmonton, Alberta to participate at this year’s gathering. Bryn best summed up the event as, “Every year’s a good time… Great people! Great time!”
