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International Mongolian Festivalat the Tibetan Cultural Center & Chamtse Ling Temple
September 17th-19th, 2004 Lotus World Music & Art Festival September 15-19th, 2004 www.lotusfest.org Bloomington Multicultural Festival September 19th, 2004 2004 Website *For Mongolian speakers please contact Saruul at 202-286-3470 For a Mongolian Version of this Website Click Here (Opens a new window) International Mongolian Festival will be televised by Mongolian TV9 WelcomeDear Participant: In 1280, Mongol warriors swept throughout Asia and into eastern Europe, conquering all the cultures they encountered. From the very beginning of their domination, the Mongols showed great reverence towards Tibetan Buddhist lamas, and in 1578 Ghengis Khan's great grandson, Altan Khan, bestowed the title "Dalai Lama" on a great Gelugpa Lama--Gyalwa Gedun Drup. Dalai means “ocean of wisdom.” Lama means “wise teacher.” The title “Dalai Lama” was passed on to his successors, and the fifth Dalai Lama became the first lama to rule Tibet as both a religious leader and a political king. Our present Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, uses this title to acknowledge a gift from the Mongol khans of long ago. To this very day, Mongolians and Tibetans continue to be intertwined by their mutual respect for one another. Because of our brotherhood, it gives me great pleasure to announce this International Mongolian Festival at our Tibetan Cultural Center. We hope that you will enjoy all the festivities and take this opportunity to learn about this great culture. Present day Mongolia is a democracy that is in great jeopardy because of its proud refusal to kowtow to totalitarian powers. Your support is vital to ensure its continued independence and the well-being of its people.
The International Mongolian Festival will be the second unique event in the TCC annual World Harmony Series, inaugurated in 2003 with the dedication of the Chamtse Ling Interfaith Temple by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. The purpose of this festival is to introduce the culture and plight of Mongolia to the public. The program will take place September 18th and 19th on the grounds of the Tibetan Cultural Center. Proceeds: All proceeds from this festival will go to cover the expenses of the event. Any profits will go to support a Mongolian and Tibetan Charity Our Supporters and Sponsors About Mongolia
The name ‘Mongolia’ has always stirred up visions of the untamed - Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. The Mongolian way of life is nomadic and intimately connected with the ways of animals. Despite urbanization, the traditions of the steppes live on. Even in the cities--such as the capital, Ulaanbaatar, most Mongolians continue to live in a ger, a large, white felt tent that can be moved easily and has a universal layout: the door always faces south; towards the back and a little to the west is the place of honor set aside for guests; the back of the ger, the khoimor, is the place for elders and most treasured possessions; and on the back wall is the family altar, with Buddhist images and family photos.
Mongolians have always taken wholeheartedly to Tibetan Buddhism and the links between Mongolia and Tibet are old and deep. In Mongolia at the time of the communist takeover in 1921, there were 110,000 lamas (monks) living in about 700 monasteries. Beginning in the 1930s, thousands of monks were arrested, sent to Siberian labor camps and never heard from again. Monasteries were closed and ransacked and all religious worship and ceremonies outlawed. Not until 1990 was freedom of religion restored. Since then, there’s been a phenomenal revival of Buddhism (and other religions). . Mongolia’s survival as an independent nation is miraculous, sandwiched as it is between Russia and China. The country now has a ruling democratic coalition but independence has cost them dearly. Currently they are suffering from a lack of infrastructure and support. ScheduleBack To Top Description & Fees Spirit of Mongolia Week (Free) (Related Events in Area Preceding the Weekend) Friday, September 17th 8pmOpen to the Public Pay at the Gate Opening concert for the International Mongolian Fesitval. Experience a taste in diversity of music as several popular artists from Mongolia will perform.
Fee: $30 for Friday Concert - Pay at the gate Saturday, September 18th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Open to the Public Pay at the Gate
The primary events will take place on a stage under an open-air tent. Different Mongolian, Tibetan, and Western acts will occur every 30-minutes along with Contortion Acts, Modern Pop Singers, Traditional Mongolian Singers, Tibetan Singers, and Native American Performers. Other events integral to the Mongolian culture will take place on the TCC grounds. Food and crafts will be sold on-site. Once admitted to the grounds, you will be able to move from event to event as you choose.
Fee: $40 for one day's pass; $30 for Mongolians and Tibetans. Saturday, September 18th 7 p.m. Fund-raiser dinner at the TCC's Main Building to promote the mission of the Chamtse Ling Interfaith Temple. Meet the performing artists and enjoy traditional Mongolian and Tibetan dishes. Sunday, September 19th 10 a.m.Open to the Public Pay at the Gate
Traditional Mongolian Wrestling and Archery will be in the morning until 2:00PM.
A two-day pass is available for Saturday and Sunday available at the gate: Tickets All tickets are going to be available for purchase at the gate on the day of the event. Accommodations & Travel Services Contact the Bloomington Visitors Center (1-800-800-0037; 812-334-8900; www.visitbloomington.com for a list of accommodations or campgrounds in Bloomington. Surrounding areas: Bedford (800-798-9769), Columbus (812-379-4457), Nashville (812-988-6647). Carlson Wagonlit handles travel arrangements (1-800-467-7800; 812-339-7800. Camping for participants will be available free of charge on the Tibetan Cultural Center grounds during the events for all three days. No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are allowed onto the TCC Grounds. Arrival & Transportation Indianapolis Airport provides a daily shuttle to Bloomington as well as limousine services. Consult the Visitors Center (1-800-800-0037;812-334-8900) for transportation schedules. Parking Ample parking space is available for $5 a day on the property directly opposite the TCC. Volunteers will be directing traffic. Clothing & Weather Bloomington is warm and often muggy during September. Dress comfortably. Casual clothing is acceptable but do not distract others by wearing inappropriate attire. Please pack rain gear since the weather is unpredictable. Provisions for Handicapped Special provision will be provided for the handicapped. A "Special Needs" table will be at the Information Tent. If possible, address your needs to the TCC by August 15, 2004. Regulations and Safety The use of candles, incense, camping gas stoves, cookers and open fire is prohibited. Smoking is not permitted. Video cameras and other cameras are permitted. The TCC does not provide baby-sitting services. Please keep you children safe and under control. Medical emergency services are available at the Emergency Station. For your comfort and safety a food court will be available as well as drink booths and bathrooms with a map of their locations. Volunteers
Anyone who is interested in volunteering for International Mongolian Fesitval in Bloomington on September 17th,18th,19th, 2004 should fill out this online form: Festival Volunteer Volunteer Meeting - Tuesday September 14th, 5:30 - Chamtse Ling Temple Tent.VendorsIf you're a food or retail vendor interested in having a venue on September 18th and 19th on the Tibetan Cultural Center grounds, please contact call Valerie Pena at: 812-334-8900 or email her at: valerie@visitbloomington.com Food court and retail tents, electicity, and water will be available. ArtistsSpirit of Mongolia Week If you'd like to participate in the Spirit of Mongolia week with a lecture or performance, contact Valerie Pena at valerie@visitbloomington.com or call 812-334-8900.
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