Losar in Occupied Tibet: A Staged Spectacle Under Chinese Rule
The recent equestrian show in Lhasa, heavily publicized by Chinese state media, is yet another example of Beijing’s relentless attempt to mask its oppressive rule over Tibet with a façade of cultural celebration. The event, held on the third day of Losar—the Tibetan New Year—was showcased as a grand spectacle of traditional performances, horse races, and colorful attire. However, this display serves as little more than a propaganda tool aimed at convincing the world that Tibetan culture flourishes under Chinese occupation. In reality, Tibetans inside Tibet remain under constant surveillance, denied fundamental freedoms, and prevented from celebrating their heritage in an authentic manner.
The True Essence of Losar
Losar, which means “New Year” in Tibetan, is one of the most important festivals for Tibetans, marking the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar. Traditionally, Losar celebrations span over fifteen days, with the first three days being the most significant. Families come together to perform ancient rituals, make offerings to deities, engage in traditional dances, and share special foods like guthuk (a noodle soup eaten before the new year) and khapse (fried Tibetan biscuits). Monasteries conduct elaborate prayers and ceremonies, seeking blessings for the coming year.
However, in occupied Tibet, genuine religious and cultural expressions are tightly controlled. The Chinese government has systematically cracked down on monasteries, restricted religious gatherings, and imposed propaganda-driven alternatives such as state-approved festivals, aiming to repackage Tibetan traditions into a politically sanitized version that aligns with Beijing’s narrative.
Losar in Exile: A Celebration of Freedom
In contrast, the Tibetan exile community, primarily based in India, celebrates Losar with an unbreakable spirit of resilience and cultural preservation. Free from Chinese oppression, Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala, Bylakuppe, and other Tibetan settlements in India follow the authentic traditions of Losar. His Holiness the Dalai Lama often leads special prayers, emphasizing the importance of compassion, hope, and the preservation of Tibet’s rich spiritual heritage. Monastic institutions, free from Chinese interference, conduct prayers and ceremonies as they have for centuries, ensuring that the true essence of Losar is passed down to younger generations.
Losar in exile is not just a celebration; it is an assertion of identity. The Tibetan community uses the occasion to highlight their ongoing struggle, remembering those in Tibet who are denied the right to celebrate freely. While Tibetans in exile gather in monasteries, light butter lamps, and offer prayers for their homeland, Tibetans in occupied Tibet live under an atmosphere of fear and control, where even displaying the Tibetan national flag or an image of the Dalai Lama can result in imprisonment.
The Chinese Agenda: Cultural Erasure
China’s calculated promotion of events like the equestrian show in Lhasa is part of its larger strategy to erase Tibet’s distinct identity. By staging carefully controlled performances, Beijing aims to mislead the international community into believing that Tibetans are happily celebrating under Chinese rule. However, these displays stand in stark contrast to the reality of Tibetans’ suffering, including forced assimilation, mass surveillance, and the systematic dismantling of Tibetan Buddhist institutions.
The Tibetan people’s struggle for genuine cultural and religious freedom continues despite these adversities. While China seeks to turn Losar into a mere showcase of costumes and performances stripped of their deeper spiritual and historical significance, Tibetans in exile keep the true traditions alive, ensuring that their heritage remains intact for future generations.
As the world watches the spectacle in Lhasa, it must also remember the countless Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest, the political prisoners who remain silenced, and the families who are separated due to Beijing’s brutal policies. The struggle for a free Tibet is far from over, and Losar serves as a solemn reminder of both what has been lost and what must be reclaimed.