Washington, DC. February 18, 2016 – The Office of the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the State Department hosted its annual Losar celebration this afternoon. This is the second Losar event organized under Under Secretary Sarah Sewall who also serves as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
The Losar celebration within the State Department building follows the Losar greeting by Secretary of State John Kerry on February 10. In that press statement, Secretary Kerry said “on behalf of President (Barack) Obama and the people of the United States, I offer our warmest wishes to all of the peoples of the Himalayan region celebrating Losar for a joyful New Year. The United States joins you in celebrating the history and vibrant culture of the peoples of the Himalayan region, including those in Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Tibetan areas of the People’s Republic of China.”At the State Department event, Undersecretary Sarah Sewall greeted the attendees with Losar greetings and stressed that the event was organized to highlight and support the unique and rich Tibetan culture. She expressed her hope to continue this tradition at the State Department.
The Losar celebration within the State Department building follows the Losar greeting by Secretary of State John Kerry on February 10. In that press statement, Secretary Kerry said “on behalf of President (Barack) Obama and the people of the United States, I offer our warmest wishes to all of the peoples of the Himalayan region celebrating Losar for a joyful New Year. The United States joins you in celebrating the history and vibrant culture of the peoples of the Himalayan region, including those in Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Tibetan areas of the People’s Republic of China.”At the State Department event, Undersecretary Sarah Sewall greeted the attendees with Losar greetings and stressed that the event was organized to highlight and support the unique and rich Tibetan culture. She expressed her hope to continue this tradition at the State Department.
Members of the local Tibetan community, dressed in traditional attire, set up an altar and received Under Secretary Sewall with traditional offerings. Losar khapsays, chang (Tibetan wine) and Tibetan butter tea was served to everyone. Representative Kaydor Aukatsang and the staff of the Office of Tibet attended the event. Other guests included US State Department staff, Tibetan media staff from Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, staff of International Campaign for Tibet, Kasur Tenzin Tethong la, members of the Capital Area Tibetan Association, and other guests.
