Truly a Village of Culture

Wow! The Ganj never ceases to surprise me. It is truly a global Village of Culture.

I head up to the Main Temple this afternoon to visit the opening of a photographic exhibition by Indian photographer Vijay Kranti who has made several trips in Tibet.

Presuming the exhibition is being held in the Tibetan museum, i´m pretty disappointed to note the museum is closed. Ah well! I did want to spend a bit of time in the temple before leaving and the early afternoons are devoted to the graceful art of Buddhist debate.


Heading into the main complex however, i´m completely amazed to see a huge celebration taking place. Apparently today marks the 15th International Himalayan Village festival which also seems to be linked with World Human Rights Day, in the guise of a three hour cultural show. As this year has marked the 50th Anniversary of Tibetans in Exile in India, there is a strong Indian theme with some superb musical offerings. Tibetans in turn performing traditional music and dance.

an Indian raga performed by quality musicians

a Tibetan musician rehearses upstairs

There are a lot of spectator, most of which seem to be as amazed at me that this event is going on. As often in The Ganj, publicity for these events are at best minimal and often non-existent.

The photographic exhibition is held in an adjoining hall off the courtyard. It has been organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress and it is somewhat of a mixed bag. There are a few excellent photos capturing the essence of Tibet, but some do nothing for me and I regret not pursuing the two exhibitions I have been offered in The Ganj; at Boom Boom´s and the Moonpeak Gallery.

Posters around the temple advertise open floor Climate Control and Change discussions, both at the temple and the Tibetan Children´s Village over the next two days. Such political debates are regular events, conducted in both English and Tibetan over a variety of Tibetan and non-Tibetan issues.

add your thoughts on debate posters

Other regular village events include dances, concerts and Tibetan related movies usually performed or shown at Yongling School or its nearby Hall.

Despite its remote position in the backwaters of the Indian Himalaya, the village´s participation in events like World Earth Day and AIDS Awareness Day truly reflects its place on the World map.

What better place is there to be for global citizens?