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Festivals of Tibet

We are giving below dates of some Tibetan Festivals open to visitors. If you would like to take a tour in Tibet during the festival dates please contact us for tailor made programmes.

SAGA DAWA: 03 June 2004 / 23 May 2005
Three memorable occasions coincide on this day : Buddha's Birth, Buddha's Death and Buddha's Enlightenment. Almost every person within Lhasa join in circumambulates round the city and spend their later afternoon on picnic at "Dzongyablukhang" Park at the rear of Potala.

GYANTSE HORSE RACE AND ARCHERY: June
Horse Race and Archery are generally popular in Tibet, and Gyantse enjoys prestige of being the earliest in History by starting in 1408. Contests in early time included Horse Race, Archery, and shooting on Horseback followed by a few day's entertainment or picnicking. Presently, Ball Games, track and field events, Folk songs and Dances. Barter trade are in addition to the above.

"SHOTON" FESTIVAL: 15 - 22 Aug 2004 / 03 - 10 Sept 2005
It is the Opera Festival and the Greatest of Festivals in Tibet. In ancient times Pious Folks went in to 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 Norbu Lingka. Presently, Opera contests and distribution of prizes are held for seven days. Suggested Itinerary around this festival

QIANGTANG KYAGGEN HORSE RACING: 10-16 Aug'04 - The Horseracing Festival is celebrated at the end of the seventh month or at the beginning of the eighth month of the Tibetan calendar every year. Riders in colourful ancinet Tibetan costomes and with bows and arrows are agile and brave. The main activities of the horseracing are concerned with interflow of commodities in pastoral areas. In the north of Tibet, people added the event of yak racing, the untrained yaks in red and green dash around madly to the shout of their riders. Suggested Itinerary around this festival

YALONG CULTURAL FESTIVAL: 25 July 2005/2005 - Yalong culture is an important part not only in Tibet but also the world. The festival is to display the new expectations as well as the old brilliance. It provides colourful activities: singing, dancing, Tibetan opera show, Tibetan Fashion show.

CHUGBACIXI FESTIVAL: 21 July 2004 / 10 July 2005 - The festival has a history of more than 700 years. It's to commemorate the birthday of Pamasambhava, the main actitities are Tangkhang Display, horseracing, stone lifting,etc.

TIBETAN NEW YEAR: 21 Feb. 2004 / 09 Feb. 2005
In ancient times when the Peach Tree was in Blossom it was considered as the starting of a New Year. Since the systematization of the Tibetan Calendar in 1027 A.D. The first day of the first month became fixed as the New Year. On this day, Families Unite, "AUSPICIOUS DIPPER" is offered, and the Auspicious words "TASHI DELEK" are exchanged.

DRIVING OFF EVIL SPIRITS : 07 Feb. 2004 / 27 Feb. 2005
At the Eve of Tibetan New Year, 29th of the Twelfth month, Religions dances are performed in Monasteries for driving off of evil spirits of the past year. At night household traditional means of driving off of Evil Spirits is carried on burning bundles of straws and throwing rubbish on crossroad. "Year-End dumpling "Is Served for Supper.

GREAT PRAYER FESTIVAL: 28 Feb. - 07 March 2004 / 16-25 Feb 2005
Instituted by Tsongkapa in 1409, the founder of the Gelukpa sect, Monks from the three great Monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jokhang & pray to Shakyamuni's image as if it were the Living Buddha. Philosophical debates are held among candidates for the doctor of Metaphysics. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to Monks.

BUTTER-LAMP FESTIVAL: 06 March 2004 / 23 Feb. 2005
It is the last day of the Great Prayer Festival. In order to celebrate Shakyamuni's Victory over non-Buddhist opponents. The Lord of Neu Dzong. A noted patron of Tsongkapa, illuminated numerous Butter-Lamps in 1409, ever since the Festival flourished.

DEATH OF TSONGKAPA : Tsongkapa, the Great Reformer of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Gelukpa sect, died on this day in 1419. In memory of the day every household burns countless Butter Lamps on Roof-Tops and Chant prayers in his Honour. Late in the evening Tibetan Dumpling is served for supper.

THE WORLD INCENSE DAY : Gods in Heaven are believed to descend to the mortal world on the day. Incense is burnt in large scales and picnicking in public parks.