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Major Festivals in Tibet |
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Tibetan social life is embraced by different festivals & cultural events. Many of the festivals are observed throughout Tibet and many others are observed within certain communities or cities.
Some of important festivals are Tibetan New Year, Sagadawa, Shoton festival, etc. Making Tibet travel during the festival time is one of the great experience of a life time.
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Major Festivals & Cultural Events in Tibet |
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| Festivals |
Months |
Description |
Tibetan New Year
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Feb/Mar |
It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient time when peach tree was in blossom it was considered as the starting of a new year. Since the systematization of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 AD the first day of the first month becams fixed as the New Year. On the New Year Day famillies unite, auspicious dipper is offered, & auspicious words Tashi Delek are greated. |
Great Prayer Festival
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Feb/Mar |
It is greatest religious festival in Tibet. Instituted by Tsongkapa in 140, the founder of the Gelukpa sect. Monks from the three giant monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for pray to Shakyamuni's image. Philosophical debates are held among candidates for the Doctor of Metaphysics. Pilgrims from every corner of Tibet gathered and make offerings to monks. |
Butter lamp festival
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Feb/Mar
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It is the last day of Great prayer festival. In order to celebrate Shakyamunis' victory over non-Buddhist opponents, the Lord of Neu Dzong a noted patron of Tsongkapa, illuminated numerous butter lamp in 1409. Ever since the festival is flourished. |
| Saga Dawa Festival |
May/Jun
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It is holiest day in Tibet. Three memorable occasions coincide on this day as Buddha's birth, death and enlightnment. Almost every person in Lhasa join in circumambulations round the city & spend their late afternoon picnic at Dzongyab Lukhang park at the rear of Potala. |
Gyantse Horse Race & Archery
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May/Jun |
Horse race & archery are generally popular in Tibet. Gyantse enjoys prestige of being an earlist in history starting in 1408. Contests includes horse race, archery, folk song & dance followed by few days entertainment & picnic. |
The world incense day
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Jun/Jul |
Gods in heaven are beleived to descend to the mortal world on this day. Incense is burnt in large scales & picnicking is done in public parks.
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Six four Festival
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Jul/Aug
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It is beleived the Buddha gave his first sermon on this day. People celebrate festival by paying visits to Holy mountains.
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Shoton Festival
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Aug/Sep |
It is opera festival & greatest of festivals in Tibet. In ancient times pious folks went into mountain hermitages to do penance and on the last day of which yogurt was served for meal followed by entertainments of folk song and dance. Since 7th century, opera performances were held for days in Norbulinka. Nowadays, operat contests & distribution of prizes are held for a week.
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Bathing week
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It is believed when sacred planet Venus appears in the sky the water in the river becomes purest & can cure deseases. During its appearance for one week in the sky all town people in Lhasa go into the river for bathing.
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Death of Tsongkapa
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Dec |
Tsongkapa- the great reformer of Tibetan Buddhism & founder of the Gelukpa sect died on this day in 1419. In memory of the day, every household burns countless butter lamps on roof top & chant prayers in his honour. Late in the evening Tibetan dumpling is served for supper. |
Driving off evil spirits
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Feb |
At the eve of Tibetan New Year, 29th of the twelveth month religious dances are performed in monasteries for driving off of evil spirits of the past year. At night in the every household traditional means of driving off of evil spirits is carried on by burning bundles of straws & throwing rubbish on crossroads. |
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