Waiting for bright side of the moon

Buddha Purnima is on Thursday, and the Tibetan community in Bangalore is looking forward to getting together on the occasion.
The close-knit group, which is known to meet often for prayers, celebrations and parties, is preparing for the auspicious day with enthusiasm — Buddha Purnima — which is a significant date on their lunar calendar.

“Some people fast the whole day, without water even,” says Kelsung Tsomo, a fashion designer who specialises in Tibetan traditional wear.

The fourth month in the lunar calendar — Saka Dawa — is for spiritual cleansing. “We give up meat and fast every alternate 12 hours. It is a time to reflect, introspect, take stock of our actions, course-correct, minimise negative behaviour and focus on the positive. The full-moon day called Tsepachonga is meant for praying for love and peace,” Tsomo explains.

The couturier, who was born in India after her parents met on the Sikkim border and later settled in the Kollegal in Karnataka, is keen on preserving the Tibetan traditions. Her Chubas — ethnic wear for women — are a blend of modern and traditional aspects.

While Tsomo, probably the only Tibetan designer in south India, gives back to the community by preserving age-old symbols, Dr Dorjee Rabten works for stronger ties between Indians and Tibetans. “My job is to heal people, and meet many Indians at my workplace too. Most of our patients are Indians who come here from neighbouring states as well. It is but natural for them to get involved. They are curious about our culture, our stay here. They want to learn more and so become members of the Indo-Tibetan friendship society,” says the chief medical officer of the Tibetan Medicine and Astro Centre in Bangalore.

Dr Rabten also serves as the general secretary of the society that strives for better opportunities for Tibetan youth. The average Tibetan youngster is quite busy throughout the year.

The Tibetan population in the city, numbering about 2,000, is young and most are drawn to the city’s illustrious educational institutions. “The community in the city is scattered,” says Kunga Dorjee, who recently completed his tenure as the chief representative of the Tibetan Society in Karnataka. “The city is a hub for students. One wouldn’t find families, which are mostly in five settlements in the state. Most people here are either students, working in BPOs, hotels, and beauty salons,” he says.