Dharamsala, July 23 – TibetFest, dubbed as the largest Tibet festival on the east coast, which begins tomorrow, may be the last one, according to its organizer Michele Weik. Northwest Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is one of the partners for the event, is undergoing substantial budget cuts from the state this year, Weik told Litchfield County Times. Without a partner, it does not seem likely that the event can go on, due to the heavy workload it takes, Ms. Weik added.
The TibetFest, which is into its fifth year, is an initiative of Michele, a staunch supporter of the Tibetan cause. Goshen Fair Grounds in Connecticut will be the venue for the two-day event.
The focus of TibetFest is to raise awareness about various aspects of Tibet including the Tibetan culture and political status. Ngawang Sangdrol, a former political prisoner released on parole will speak about her experience in Chinese prison. Also in the list of speakers are Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan legal analyst, and Tenzin Dorjee, deputy director of the Students for a Free Tibet.
Tibetan traditional and contemporary music, Tibetan Thanka art, butter sculpture, Tibetan food and photography will be some of the attractions for the visitors.
Tibetan Musicians, artisans and vendors, will join from as far away as Nepal, India, Australia, Seattle, California and Minnesota, to as close as Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, Weik said. Popular Tibetan singers Techung and Phurbu T Namgyal will perform at the festival.
Australian filmmaker Lara Damiani will promote her film “Tibet’s Cry for Freedom,” and Author Michael Kodas will be signing copies of his book High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed. Six monks from Drepung Gomang monastery will construct Mandala and perform Buddhist rituals at the event.
Last year the visitor turnout was not as much as the previous years due to two reasons, one being that many people had traveled to Madison where His Holiness the Dalai Lama was on a five day visit, and the second reason being the rain that forced many people to remain indoors.
