Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 30: The exile Tibetan government, known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) Department of Religion and Culture issued an appeal on Wednesday, urging Tibetans to refrain from performing the traditional Lhakar dance (Gorshey or Tibetan Circle Dance) for 49 days to mourn and show solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet’s Dingri County in Shigatse Prefecture earlier this month.
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri on January 7, 2025, at 9:05 AM caused severe destruction across multiple areas, including Lhatse, Dramtso, Chula, Tsogo, Sakya, Tingkye, and Ngamring. According to the Voice of America Tibetan Service, citing reliable sources within Tibet, the death toll has risen to 134, surpassing the figures reported by Chinese state-run media.
In response to the disaster, the CTA has called on Tibetans in exile and in the diaspora to observe the 49-day mourning period in honor of those who lost their lives and to express unity with the affected families. “As directed by the Kashag Secretariat, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on 7 January 2025, causing significant destruction, particularly in Dingri. In solidarity with survivors and to honour those who lost their lives, Tibetans in exile have decided to suspend the Lhakar dance for seven weeks,” the CTA announced in an official statement.
Lhakar, or “White Wednesday,” is a weekly cultural observance among Tibetans that celebrates Tibetan identity through traditional practices, including dance, attire, and language. The CTA’s request to suspend the Lhakar dance for 49 days aligns with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of observing a mourning period following a person’s passing, signifying spiritual support for the deceased and their families.
Additionally, the CTA organised a special prayer ceremony at the Main Temple in Dharamshala to offer prayers for the victims and their families on January 8. On January 12, CTA President Penpa Tsering released a public statement urging China to prioritise the needs and rights of Tibetans in disaster relief efforts.
In a further act of solidarity, the Tibetan community in France announced the cancellation of this year’s Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations on January 12, mourning the lives lost and standing with those affected by the disaster. This collective response underscores the resilience and unity of the Tibetan people in the face of tragedy.
I applaud the decisions of the CTA and the Tibetan Community in France, cancelling the respective celebrations. When our brothers and sisters in Tibet suffering from natural disasters or government cruel repression, we, the exiles who are in the free world, must show our solidarity and support in whatever forms or ways we can do. I also applaud the the tremendous efforts of our fellow Tibetans in Tibet who are doing their best to help the victims of earthquake in Dhingri despite threats and obstructions from the Chinese government. Normally governments should appreciate and be grateful for such helping hands from their people; unfortunately not so with Chinese government. Never, never give up! Lets keep hope alive! May there be peace and happiness in Dhingri!