By WALT GOGOLYA
GOSHEN – Gesha Ngawang, a Tibetan Monk, has not seen his family in 27 years. Though he thinks of them often, he is aware, due to political circumstances in his home country, he may never see them again.
“It would be very difficult for me to return to Tibet,” Ngwang said. “I miss (my family) lots and hope to see them some day.”
Ngawang is one of seven monks on hand for the third annual Tibetfest taking place this weekend at the Goshen Fair Grounds. Michelle Weik, the organizer and director of Tibetfest, said she truly appreciates the Buddhist philosophy of compassion, kindness, and non-violence.
“This truly is a culture we need to preserve,” Weik said. “Today is not just a day to celebrate the Tibetan culture, but to raise awareness as well.”
On hand for the festival were Tibetan musicians and performers, food booths serving traditional Indian cuisine, and many vendors selling various Tibetan artifacts.
Sonam Zoksang was born in Tibet. He and his wife Kathryn were selling jewelery, clothing, bags, and Buddhist ritual items. Zoksang is also a photographer who documents the social and political situation in Tibet. His photographs were on display at the festival.
“Even though part of this festival is commercial it’s also educational,” Zoksang said. “It’s important for people to remember Tibet and our peaceful struggle for independence.”
In 1949, the Communist Chinese Army began invading Tibet, using the historically incorrect excuse that Tibet was a region of China, according to the Tibetfest Web site.
Since that time, the Tibetan people have endured nothing but inhumane treatment, persecution, and genocide.
As a direct result, 1.2 million Tibetans have died.
Every year, thousands of Tibetans flee their homeland to escape in winter when it is easier to get by the border patrols.
It is a long and dangerous journey over the Himalayan mountains-many die.
Yet the Tibetan people have maintained a non-violent struggle against the Chinese government’s brutal occupation of Tibet the Web site said.
The Tibetfest continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and children under 5 are free.
For more information on The Tibet fest visit the Web site at www.tibetfest.com
Walt Gogolya can be reached by e-mail at newhartford@registercitizen.com
