The Indian Museum, in collaboration with New Delhi-based Tibet House will organise “Festival of Sacred Art and Culture from the Land of Snow”.

Mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya inaugurated the event in the presence of Tibet House director Lama Doboom Tulku and British Deputy High Commissioner (Eastern India) Simon Wilson.

Tulku (67) was quick to dismiss chances of any political overtones to the event saying politics and culture are separate identities.

However, he could not help mention that the week-long programme is a “much-needed peaceful event during the present situation”.

“There are Tibetan refugees living all over India, but Kolkata has a special place in Tibetan history. In the 11th century AD, a Buddhist preacher from Kolkata visited Tibet to spread Buddhist studies and culture. Kolkata also finds mention in our scriptures as a prosperous place,” he said.

Along with and Tulku, officials from the Indian Museum were quick to point out that the event had been in the pipeline since the last two months.

“It's just a coincidence that this exhibition is taking place at such a time,” Tulku said.

The delegate list was not provided to the media.

The event will have on display a set of 31 rare Thangka paintings denoting stories related to the Buddha.

Monk artists will also demonstrate the making of the intricate Sand Mandala using coloured sand.

Also on offer is Kundun, a film by Oscar-winning Hollywood director Martin Scorcese on the Dalai Lama.

At the end of the event, a Tibetan dance troupe from Kalimpong will put up a cultural show.

Born in Tibet, Tulku fled to India in 1959, leaving behind his family.

“I haven't returned since then. Tibetans have undergone severe hardships. As the director of Tibet House, I correspond with His Holiness The Dalai Lama whenever necessary,” Tulku said.