University of Colorado celebrates Tibetan Losar for first time
On March 4, 2022, the University of Colorado celebrated Tibetan Losar for the first time on campus. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated across the Tibetan plateau and in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, India, and Bhutan. This cultural program was jointly organized by the Center for Asian Studies (CAS), the Tibet Himalaya Initiative, and the Anderson Language and Technology Center with gorshey (Tibetan dance), food from the Boulder-based Little Lama Café, and lots of smiling, laughing students and faculty dancing together.
The event started with the serving of ceremonial sweet rice (dresi)– an auspicious food symbolizing prosperity and good fortune–Tibetan butter tea, chai, and Tibetan cookies (khabsey). CAS Instructor Tenzin Tsepak gave a brief background of Losar and its importance in Tibetan culture. Anthropology Professor Carole McGranahan introduced the Tibet and Himalayan studies program at CU. This was followed by second-semester Tibetan language students, David Kwei and Aidan Euler, who read the Tibetan and English translations of the Sixth Dalai Lama's love songs. Sangay Tashi beautifully emceed the event and melodiously sang a stanza from the Sixth Dalai Lama’s songs.
The dinner along with the ceremonial food and drinks were catered by the newly established Tibetan-owned cafe, Little Lama Cafe at Naropa University. The food menu included a wide variety of cuisines like Tuninisian potato salad, grilled tofu and chicken, red radish pickle, and roasted beets. After the yummy food, Sangay Tashi and Bhumshik Gyal dropped the beat and led the Tibetan gorshey dance party for the next 45 minutes.
This cultural event brought together CU students, faculty, and the Tibetan community to celebrate and learn about Tibetan and Himalayan culture. The event was attended by 30-35 people.
On March 3, 2022, the U.S. Department of State organized the with messages from the US Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken, and Under Secretary Uzra Zeya.