Celebrating Survival: Tibetan Cultural Festival
The devastating earthquake in Tibet is old news now. It happened nearly three months ago in April. For the media and much of the world, attention is now focused on the G20 get-together, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the World Cup. But it is important to keep in mind that many many lives are still at stake today. And your help is desperately needed. According to credible Tibetan sources, over 10,000 have perished in Yushu (Ga Kyegudo in Tibetan), and the historic town of Kyegu is totally destroyed, including some centuries-old monasteries. There is an urgent need for medicines, shelter, food and clean water. The Tibet Cultural Festival planned for July 11 in Vancouver will go a long way to making a significant contribution towards helping those Tibetans who require immediate assistance.
Victor Chan
Founding Director
Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education
Celebrating Survival
Tibetan Cultural Festival in Support of Earthquake Relief in Yushu
On April 14, 2010, a devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Jyekundo, also known as Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, 2 220 are confirmed dead and 12 135 injured. Unofficial eye witness accounts indicate that the death toll may be thousands higher. At least 80% of homes were destroyed, and survivors are struggling to rebuild amidst the devastation.
This tragedy has touched the hearts of humanitarians worldwide, and has impacted Tibetan people in deeply personal ways. The population of the quake hit region is 97% Tibetan, including relatives and loved ones of some British Columbia based Tibetans. Immediately after receiving news of the quake, Tibetans from surrounding regions flocked to the quake zone to provide material, spiritual, and moral support, and Tibetans in the global diaspora began collecting donations tosupport relief efforts.
The Tibetan Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCS) and Tsengdok Rinpoche (head of Tsengdok Monastery, Vancouver) were in the midst of planning a public festival to celebrate and share Tibet’s vibrant culture, as it lives within Tibetans of BC. On hearing news of the earthquake they immediately redirected their intention, deciding that all proceeds would be directed to relief efforts.
“If every one of us can help people in need, even a little, it will make this world a more beautiful place for everyone”, said Tsengdok Rinpoche. “Right now, the people of Yushu region are in desperate need. Come join us to celebrate the uniqueness of Tibetan culture, and help people in Yushu."
Tibet Fest is a celebration of culture and community, and a call to action in support of earthquake survivors.
EVENT DETAILS:
On April 14, 2010, a devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Jyekundo, also known as Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, 2 220 are confirmed dead and 12 135 injured. Unofficial eye witness accounts indicate that the death toll may be thousands higher. At least 80% of homes were destroyed, and survivors are struggling to rebuild amidst the devastation.
This tragedy has touched the hearts of humanitarians worldwide, and has impacted Tibetan people in deeply personal ways. The population of the quake hit region is 97% Tibetan, including relatives and loved ones of some British Columbia based Tibetans. Immediately after receiving news of the quake, Tibetans from surrounding regions flocked to the quake zone to provide material, spiritual, and moral support, and Tibetans in the global diaspora began collecting donations tosupport relief efforts.
The Tibetan Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCS) and Tsengdok Rinpoche (head of Tsengdok Monastery, Vancouver) were in the midst of planning a public festival to celebrate and share Tibet’s vibrant culture, as it lives within Tibetans of BC. On hearing news of the earthquake they immediately redirected their intention, deciding that all proceeds would be directed to relief efforts.
“If every one of us can help people in need, even a little, it will make this world a more beautiful place for everyone”, said Tsengdok Rinpoche. “Right now, the people of Yushu region are in desperate need. Come join us to celebrate the uniqueness of Tibetan culture, and help people in Yushu."
Tibet Fest is a celebration of culture and community, and a call to action in support of earthquake survivors.
EVENT DETAILS:
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Date: |
Sunday, July 11, 2010 |
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Time: |
10:00 a.m. to midnight |
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Location: |
Van Dusen Botanical Garden |
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Address: |
Floral Room, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver |
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Admission by Donation |
$5.00 (suggested) |
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Contact: |
604-726-3869, [email protected] |
The packed program includes Tibetan food, music, dance, films, and sacred arts such as sand mandala, butter sculpture, and thangka painting.
Event Information and Event Program from Tsengdok Rinphoche.
The Tibet Cultural Festival is put on by the Tsengdok Monastery Association Tibetan Cultural Society, whose mission is to bring happiness and help reduce the suffering of people through Tibetan Buddhist teachings, prayer, meditation, and the celebration of special spiritual days.
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