Tibetans in Western Massachusetts Plan March and Flag Raisings to Mark Uprising Anniversary

Members of the Tibetan community and their supporters in Western Massachusetts are organizing a series of events to mark the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising. The events will include marches, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches aimed at remembering Tibet’s history and raising awareness about the Tibetan cause.

The commemorations are being organized by the Regional Tibetan Community of Western Massachusetts. Activities will take place in several towns, including Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, and Hadley, bringing together members of the Tibetan community and local supporters.

The day’s events will begin at Amherst Town Hall, where participants will gather for a ceremony that includes the raising of the Tibetan flag, the reading of a town proclamation, and musical performances honoring the history of Tibetan resistance.

Community leaders and local officials are expected to address the gathering. Among the scheduled speakers are Yonten Gyatso, president of the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts, and State Representative Mindy Domb, who represents Amherst in the Massachusetts legislature.

Following the ceremony, participants will take part in a public march along Route 9 in Hadley. Organizers say the march is intended to raise awareness about Tibetan culture and the struggles faced by Tibetans living under Chinese rule.

The Amherst Town Council’s proclamation acknowledges the continued exile of the Dalai Lama and highlights ongoing concerns about human rights and religious freedom in Tibet.

Later in the day, additional ceremonies and flag-raising events are planned at Northampton City Hall and Easthampton City Hall. Local officials, including city leaders and representatives from state and federal offices, are expected to attend.

The annual events coincide with the global observance of Tibetan Uprising Day on March 10, when Tibetans and supporters worldwide remember the protests in Lhasa in 1959 and honor those who lost their lives during the uprising.

For many participants, the gatherings serve not only as a remembrance of history but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving Tibetan culture, identity, and human rights for future generations.