597. Losar – Tibetan New Year – February 13, 2016

Here is an opportunity to see the Tibetan Cultural Centre with its huge prayer wheel and prayer flags. It’s a chance to meet your Tibetan neighbours, most of whom speak English.

The grand community gathering for Losar celebrations will be held on Saturday, 13th February starting with prayer flag hoisting. $20 fee plus $5 for lunch.

This event usually starts at 10am with chants and prayers by monks. Expect speeches by Canadian and Tibetan leaders. I’m not sure about the cultural program which goes on into the afternoon. You can ask people in the audience to explain about the dances, the masks, rituals and food.

Information about the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre is at: http://www.tcccgc.org/. The address is 40 Titan Road, Etobicoke. To get there, you can take the subway to Islington Ave. and then a bus south to Titan Road. (416) 410-5606.

“Tashi delek” is the usual greeting.  Have a happy Tibetan New Year.