Last Wednesday I had the fortune to attend a Tibetan celebration up in the hills surrounding Kathmandu. As the only foreigner in a group of over 1000, mostly old, Tibetans, it was a great opportunity for me to learn about traditional Tibetan culture in as untainted a setting as possible outside of the most remote villages in Tibet!
So at 7am, I took the bus which would take me on a bumpy two-hour bus ride to my destination. Once there, I witnessed a celebration that defied my senses. Butter candles were it, incense was burnt, prayer flags were raised; rice, tsampa powder, and milk were thrown in the air; prayers were sung by monks and nuns, answered by the laymen with the national anthem and freedom songs; dances were danced, food was eaten, tea was drunk.
It was quite the celebration! Not only do the Tibetans know how to party, but their kindness and generosity were demonstrated toward me, as in Dharamsala, through the friendly smiles and the sharing of food. Allow me to show you through my photos about a celebration than I can scarcely describe in words.
The crowd behind the monks, following along with the prayers.
Lighting butter candles and hanging prayer flags. Colorful, isn’t it?
The monks and nuns doing their prayers.
An amazing view of the Kathmandu Valley from above.
