DIIR Hosts Luncheon with Journalists, Announces Tibetan Cultural Festival 2026

Rinchen Tashi May 27, 2026 (Last updated: May 27, 2026) 3 minutes read

Dharamshala – The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) recently hosted a special interactive luncheon and press conference for Tibetan and Indian journalists. The event, held at The Kunal Hotel and Restaurant (HPTDC), brought together media representatives from more than 20 media houses, including major Indian outlets like Aaj Tak, Dainik Jagran, ANI, DDNews, and Zee News, as well as Tibetan news platforms such as Tibet Times, Phayul, and Tibet Post International.

The highlight of the gathering was the announcement of the three-day Tibetan Cultural Festival 2026, scheduled from May 28 to 30 at the Police Ground, Dharamshala. The festival, co-organised by the CTA and the Tibetan Settlement Office, marks a celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birth year and his over 70 years of residence in Dharamshala, which he lovingly regards as his home in exile.

According to the CTA’s DIIR, the festival aims to foster friendship and understanding between Tibetan and Indian communities. Tenzin Lekshay, Additional Secretary of the DIIR and Media Coordinator of the Central Ghoton Organising Committee, said, “This year’s festival is a tribute to His Holiness and a symbol of the enduring bonds between Tibetans and their Indian brothers and sisters.”

The festival will showcase Tibetan culture through a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy traditional Tibetan dance and music performances, explore displays by local Tibetan institutes, watch films about the Dalai Lama, and access free consultations from Men-Tsee-Khang, the traditional Tibetan medical and astrology institute. Children will have a dedicated corner for cultural learning, while food stalls and information booths will provide immersive experiences of Tibetan cuisine and heritage.

The luncheon also provided a platform for journalists to engage in an interactive Q&A session. Questions ranged from details of the guest list for the swearing-in ceremony of Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s second term to the various programmes planned for this year’s festival. Around 52 journalists participated, reflecting the strong interest in Tibetan cultural and political affairs.

This initiative is important because it strengthens ties between Tibetan and Indian communities while promoting Tibetan culture globally. The festival not only allows Tibetans to preserve and celebrate their traditions but also encourages cultural exchange, highlighting the similarities between Tibetan and Indian values, such as respect for elders, spirituality, communal harmony, and a love for traditional arts and music. By showcasing these commonalities, both communities learn from each other and foster a sense of shared heritage.

The expected outcome of the event is multi-fold: it will increase public awareness about Tibetan culture, support local Tibetan artisans and performers, and enhance media coverage of Tibetan social and cultural life. Furthermore, the festival serves as a symbol of resilience and continuity for the Tibetan community in exile, demonstrating their commitment to preserving their identity while living in harmony with Indian society.

Through initiatives like this, the CTA continues to build bridges between Tibetans and Indians, promoting mutual respect, cultural understanding, and lasting friendship. As the CTA noted, events such as the Tibetan Cultural Festival 2026 are part of the Ghoton initiative for the Year of Compassion, highlighting the importance of kindness, cooperation, and cultural pride.