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Festivals in Tibet

Tibetan New Year:

Tibetan New Year is the most important and the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times, when the peach trees blossomed, it was considered as the starting of the new year.When the Tibetan calendar was systematized in 1027 AD, the first day of the first month became fixed as the “ New Year”. On the New Year’s day, families offer an auspicious dipper and greet each other with the auspicious greeting “ Tashi Delek”.

 

Great Prayer Festival: It is the greatest religious festivals in Tibet, insitued by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelukpa sect, in 1409. Monks from the three great monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for pray to Sakyamuni’s image as it is the living Buddha. Philosophical debates are held among candidates for doctrine of metaphysics. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to monks.
Butter Lamp Festivals: It is the last day of the great Prayer Festival to celebrate Sakyamuni’svictory over his no- Buddhist opponents. The Lord of Neopzong, a noted patron of Tsong Khapa, illuminated numerous butter lamps in 1409. Ever since the festival has flourished.
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Saga Dawa: It is the holiest say in Tibet. Three memorable occasions coincide on this day, Buddha’s Birth, Death and Enlightenment. Almost every person in Lhasa joins in circumbulation around the city and spend late afternoons in picnic at Dzongyao Lukhang Park behind the Potala Palace.
Shoton Festival: It is the opera festival and the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times, folks went into mountain hermitages to do penance and on the last day yoghurt is served for meal followed by entertainment of folk songs and dances.
Gyangtse Horse Race & Archery: Horse race and archery are generally popular in Tibet. Gyangtse enjoys the prestige of being the first in history to begin such competitions. Beginning in 1408, these contest includes horse races, archery and shooting from a galloping horse. Following days are entertained by picnicking, ball games, track and field, field events, folk songs and dances.
The World Incense Day: Gods are believed to descend to the mortal world on this day. Incense is burnt in large scales and picnicking is done to public park.
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Six Four Festival: It is believed that the Buddha gave his first sermon world on this day. People celebrate the festival by paying visits to holy mountains.
Bathing Week: It is believed that the sacred planet of Venus appears in the sky and the water in the river becomes purest and can cure diseases. During its appearance for one week in the sky, all town people in Lhasa go into the river for bathing.
Death of Tsongkapa: Tsongkapa, the great former 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 honor. Late in the evening, Tibetan dumpling is served for supper.
Driving Off Evil Sprits: At the eve of Tibetan New Year, 29th of the 12th month religious dances are performed in monasteries for driving off evil sprits of the past year. At night in every household, traditional means of driving off evil sprits is carried on by burning bundles of straws and throwing rubbish on cross roads. “ Year –end dumpling” is served for supper.
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