Program Overview
This Program is an immersive educational initiative designed to deepen cultural awareness, artistic skills, and connection to Tibetan heritage. Through a carefully structured curriculum that integrates artistic training, cultural education, language development, and experiential learning, the program introduces participants to Tibetan culture as a living, evolving tradition.

Designed primarily for youth and students interested in Tibetan culture, the program blends classroom instruction with hands-on practice, cultural activities, and educational tours. Participants gain both practical skills and cultural understanding, enabling them to appreciate the relevance of Tibetan traditions in contemporary society.

The program is hosted at Norbulingka, a living center where Tibetan arts and cultural traditions have been preserved and practiced for generations. Located on the mountain ridge of Dharamsala, Norbulingka offers a unique environment where artisans, scholars, and practitioners from Tibet, India, and around the world work together to sustain and transmit Tibetan cultural knowledge. Participants experience traditional Tibetan architecture, lifestyle, Himalayan flora, and a wide range of Tibetan crafts practiced in their authentic settings.

Program Components
1. Tibetan Visual Arts and Crafts
This core component consists of three intensive one-week training modules, each combining theory and hands-on practice.

Week One - Tibetan Thangka Painting:
Participants are introduced to the philosophical and aesthetic foundations of traditional Tibetan thangka painting. Training includes proportional grids, iconographic guidelines, and traditional drawing and coloring techniques. Students practice drawing and coloring a Buddha image using classical methods.

Week Two - Tibetan Wood Carving:
The second week focuses on Tibetan wood carving. Participants learn about the history of the craft, traditional tools, materials, and safety practices. Under expert guidance, students carve classical Tibetan designs, with particular emphasis on the Eight Auspicious Symbols, completing at least one finished carved piece.

Week Three - Tibetan Wood Painting and Coloring Techniques:
The third week introduces traditional Tibetan wood painting and coloring methods. Participants learn surface preparation and traditional color application, and paint at least three images—such as animals, flowers, or birds—while exploring symbolism, form, and color within Tibetan artistic traditions.

2. Tibetan Language, Music, Dance, and Cuisine
Language learning is an integral part of the program. Participants engage in Tibetan reading, writing, calligraphy, and spoken language sessions, with an emphasis on preserving the use of pure Tibetan language. Cultural expression is further explored through Tibetan songs, traditional dances, and hands-on experience in preparing traditional Tibetan cuisine.

3. Cultural Awareness and Community Engagement
Participants take part in guided educational tours to important Tibetan institutions, including nearby monasteries, the Tibetan Museum, and other Tibetan institutions, including the CTA. These visits are followed by reflection and discussion sessions that help contextualize learning. Meditation sessions are also included to promote focus, cultural values, and inner awareness.

Program Outcomes
By the end of the one-month training, participants will have:
• Gained practical exposure to traditional Tibetan arts and crafts
• Improved their understanding of Tibetan language, music, dance, and cuisine
• Developed a greater awareness of Tibetan cultural institutions and community life
• Built a deeper personal connection to Tibetan heritage and identity

How to Apply
All interested applicants are requested to fill out the online application form. Further details regarding program fees, accommodation, and logistics will be shared upon request.

All study materials, including paints, wood, tools, and other required supplies, will be provided by Norbulingka. Training will be conducted by experienced artisans, who will guide participants throughout the program.

Further details regarding fees, accommodation, and program logistics will be shared upon request or confirmation of enrollment.

Program Schedule
The program is conducted twice each year, during the months of July and January, with each cycle running for four weeks.

Eligibility Criteria
• The program is open to participants aged 16 years and above.
• Applicants below 18 years of age must submit a written parental or guardian consent at the time of application.
• Applicants should have a genuine interest in Tibetan arts and culture.
• No prior experience in art or craft is required; beginners are welcome.

For further information, please contact:

Tenzin Tashi
Tibetan Arts Immersion & Apprenticeship Program
workshop@norbulingka.org
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 98821 44210