Ushering in the Year of the Water Dragon
An individual’s identity and way of life is reflected through their culture; in a wider sense culture reflects the entire lifestyle of any society or even a country. Festive celebrations are a means of rejuvenation, and of finding a much deserved break from the hectic schedules of every day life. With the advancement of technology and globalisation, the exchange of culture and art—the sharing of which forms a binding intimacy between two groups—has become more common, and the process has become much easier as well.
A gala event, The Chinese Tibetan Losar—Tibetan Water Dragon New Year—organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal held at Hotel Yak and Yeti’s Regal Ball Room, was held from 6:30 pm onwards on Februry 3. The event, which was also an opportunity of bonding and strengthening relations between the two countries, was attended by high ranking officials from both China and Nepal as well as by foreign diplomats. Although, the cultural dances, Tibetan folk song and other live musical performances which formed a major part of the performances at the gala were very different from what Nepalis are normally used to, the soothing voices and mind-blowing dances allured all who were present inside the hall.
The programme commenced with a group dance, NewYear of Gonbu in which the dancers represented the South Eastern part of Tibet. This spectacular dance routine was followed by singer Duoji Pingcuo’s rendition of a Tibetan love song. The heart-felt vocal performance was followed by another emotionally charged song by Zhanian Violin in which the singer remembered her hometown. The fourth performer of the evening was Ciren Yangzong; she performed once again a love song in her soothing, high-range voice. Then women’s and men’s group dances were also a spectacular display of the dancers’ traditional attire. The colourful costumes of silk and brocade were as eye-catching as the dancer’s perfectly timed moves.
“I didn’t understand the language, but the music and melody were immensely heart touching. The dancers were mind-blowing; I couldn’t help drawing similarities between them and Nepal’s own Sherpa dancers,” said Roshnai Khadka, a programme attendee.
Other performances included the Mina Qiangmu of Gongbu dance, Beautiful Grassland—a solo song by a talented songstress, as well as a folk song by Cuoji. There was also a vocal performance in which the lives of Tibetan nomads were chronicled.
Performers Ciren Yanzong and Duoji Pingcuo entertained the audience with a love song, while Xiluo Nima got audiences spellbound with his solo flute performance. The two-hour programme ended with a group dance.
Another notable attraction at a programme was a photo exhibition that had been set up in the corridor outside the Regal Ballroom. Even a quick glance at the photographs gave onlookers a peek at the lives of the Tibetan people.
Posted on: 2012-02-05 10:06
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