Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has launched the inaugural ‘Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week’. Following a resolution by the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the annual observance begins on 23 September 2026 and runs from the fourth Wednesday of September through the following Wednesday.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering stated the campaign is a response to what the CTA describes as state-sponsored assimilation and re-education efforts by the Chinese Communist Government. The CTA specifically identified the ‘Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress’ as a mechanism used to intensify assimilation. The initiative aims to protect Tibetan language, culture, religion, and heritage.

As part of the observance, an exhibition is being held at the Dorjee Drak Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Shimla. Organized by the CTA Chief Representative Office in Shimla, the monastery, and Sambhota Tibetan School, the event showcases Tibetan history and Buddhist heritage. Lhakpa Tsering, the CTA Chief Representative, noted the difficulty of maintaining identity across generations, particularly for those living outside major Tibetan settlements.

Global communities have participated in the observance. In France, events included incense offerings at the Pagode de Vincenne and a cultural march in Paris with over 1,000 participants in traditional attire. In India’s Kullu district, ceremonies were held at the Dobhi Palrabling monastery, featuring prayer ceremonies, the lighting of butter lamps, and student dramatic performances. Local leaders emphasized the week as a tool for resisting cultural assimilation.