(TibetanReview.net, Aug01, 2014) –Despite an ongoing patriotism campaign especially targeting those exhibiting any form of loyalty to him, China has failed to prevent Tibetans from beginning a horse-racing festival in Bathang (Chinese: Batang) County of Kardze (Ganzi) Prefecture, Sichuan Province, with a formal display of obeisance to a large portrait of the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, According to Radio Free Asia (Washington) Jul 29.

The festival was held on Jul 27 in the county’s Dziwa Village and the portrait was openly and formally installed on a throne, ignoring restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities, the report said.

“The organizers also invited Tibetans gathered at the festival to view the photo and offer ceremonial scarves,” the report quoted an exile Tibetan with contacts in the area as saying. “They prayed for the long life of the Dalai Lama and other prominent religious teachers, and also prayed for a resolution of the question of Tibet.”

The report did not say whether there was any immediate crackdown or arrest over the incident.

By Blogsdna