The Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation has supported various projects to support the preservation and celebration of the Sherpa and Himalayan Culture.
Thame Mani Rimdu Festival (2018): The Thame Monastery which has 30 monks was established in the 17th century and each spring celebrates the ancient Mani Rimdu – a 19-day sequence of sacred ceremonies, empowerments, and ritual dances culminating in a 3-day public festival. It is attended by over 200 members of the local community and is an opportunity for the local Sherpa community to gather and celebrate together with the monastic community. Since the monastery is responsible for this festival, many of the monk need to go trekking or climbing to find funds to pay for this. To ease their burden so they can focus on maintaining their rich traditions and passing it on to the next generation, we provided support to ensure this important festival continues.
Kathmandu Thamichho Welfare Association: Thame Dolma Rebuilding: (2018) Shortly before the 2014 earthquake, the head monk of the Everest region asked the village to build a shrine to protect themselves from harmful influences as many peaks and valleys in the Everest region are considered sacred. Construction of the site was underway in Thame when the earthquakes struck and completely damaged what had been built. At the request of the Association, TNSF, along with other donors contributed towards rebuilding the shrine.
Thame Mani Lha Khang (prayer wheel Shrine): (2018) The century old Thame Lha Khang shrine is in village of Thame was devastated by the earthquake. With donations from overseas Sherpas, TNSF and other donors, the building was rebuilt including cementing of the outer walls as well as the interior.
Darjeeling: Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation has supported the United Sherpa Association Darjeeling in celebrating Everest Day annually. Everest Day coincides with the day (May 29th) when Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary summited Mt. Everest and also happens to be Tenzing’s Birthday. On Everest Day, Sherpas from all corners of Darjeeling come to town to commemorate Tenzing Sherpa and enjoy a day of cultural song, dance and festivities. Other cultural and community support in Darjeeling includes support to the Manjushree Tibetan Cultural Centre and a community centre where Tenzing called home – The community centre is a great location for cultural gatherings, community meetings and celebrations.
