--- Norbu Samphell
02/28/06 (Tuesday): Tibetans in Chicago assembled at 9:00 AM in their Community Center at Sheridan and Carmen to usher in Bod-Gyalo 2133rd, the year of fire-dog. Most of the elders and younger ones, like my three year old, were in traditional Tibetan dress, but high school students, though not many, as they had school and young adults preferred to be in regular western attire for convenience. It is cute to see little children in Tibetan dress, specially the girls. It might sound biased, but I can’t help mentioning that Tibetan dress for ladies is the most elegant one. Tibetan woman look graceful and glamorous beside being appealing and sexy in Tibetan Chuba.
As people came in and join the crowd, they greeted each other saying Tashi Delek Phun-sum-Tsog and shook each other’s hands.
And then... "How may days did you take off for Losar?" One would ask, "Just one day - today. My supervisor did not allow me, She was reluctant to give even this, one day off." says an other one in a regrettable tone. But that is the way in here...
The celebration started by chanting prayers for world peace, prosperity and progress. In fact, the prayer are the regular chants that we normally do, we always wish peace for all sentient beings. In between chanting sessions we received Bod-Ja- Tibetan Tea and Dri-sel-sweet rice mixed with raisin and special root from Tibet called Dro-ma. These are for auspicious reasons for new year celebration.
After prayer we were served Chang-koel, which is a Losar Tse-Chek- day-one speciality. Chang is Tibetan home brewed beer type of beverage. Chang-Koel is light chang pudding with fruits like raisin, dried cheese etc in it. Since it is boiled chang, if you have more than one bowl, you might get high. While having chang-koel, chicago’s own music band, lead by Mr. Lobsang Yangphell played it’s music and songs for Happy Losar and tasty chang.
Along with Losar functions, we held final elections for four committee members of Tibetan Alliance, and Mr. Yeshi Tenzin won as President. He will take over the charge from Mr. Kalsang Draggo, the current President from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007. He is enthusiastic to serve the community and we are looking forward to his leadership.
Lunch and dinner were catered in from restaurants. Most of the people spend the whole day playing various games, singing various songs - Tibetan, Hindi, Nepali and English. However, many went home to be in the traditional way of Losar Tse-Chek - Losar day-one, within family members.
The invited friends of Tibetan Alliance attended sumptuous Tibetan home cooked Losar Dinner with cultural entertainments on March 11, 2006. The entertainments included classic Tibetan songs and dance like Tashi Zhol-pa, and modern Tibetan pop type songs. Chicago’s own Music Band played on Dram-Nyen, with harmonica, and guitar.
The dinner was as if catered from Indian, Chinese and Tibetan restaurants. But in fact, were cooked in Tibetan homes mostly by moms of each family. Foods were both veg and non-veg displayed separated.
Children who excelled in their respective class in Language and literature were awarded prizes for their achievement. This was because Tibetan Alliance conducted Tibetan language classes year round on every Sunday.
Many volunteers were recognized and awarded traditional scarf for their outstanding service and contributions to Tibetan Alliance. The recipients were all from among the Tibetan community members.
The night of dinner and dance was concluded when all participants of the cultural program - performers and audience rose to sing Tibetan National Anthem. |
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