Tibetans love to gather, dance, sing and celebrate. Many of their festivals are planned according to the lunar calendar. The most colorful and electrifying places in Tibet are its many exotic festivals. This festival has its origins rooted in the folk traditions, religious celebration or traditional cultural activities. The celebrations are often rituals, agricultural events, tug of war, races and competitions, commemorations, celebrations, social gatherings or simple amusement. You will see the reflection of the historical roots of Tibetan religious traditions and the love of nature in its colorful entertainment. These festivals include the Tibetan New Year and Shoton Festival Festival Butter Lamp Festival Ganden, Saga Dawa Festival, Festivals, Horse Racing, Yarlong Cultural Festival, Harvest Festival, Ongkor Festival, Bath Festival Losar, or Tibetan New Year and Shoton Festival. Festivals vary but most include traditional dancing, singing and prayer. Please review the festivals below and include a festival or two in planning your itinerary. Festivals really let you see and hear the traditional rituals, sometimes ancient, Tibetan pastime activities, and lots of costumes!
Interestingly, many Tibetan monasteries walls are covered with paintings and masks of ghosts and demons. For novice travelers, these deities belonging to the Tibetan Buddhism could be scary. Some masks have dark faces and ferocious teeth, horrible facial expressions, and are topped with miniature skulls and horns. It's not what it seems. The masks are used to scare away evil spirits when worn dancing monks and lamas during festival time.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that the arrival of Buddhism in the land transforms these menacing gods of the ancient Bon religion in benevolent protectors. So leave behind their western ideas and join in another world as a world traveler and observer, understanding that even though other traditions are odd, our traditions are odd to others. With this in mind, they observe these wonderful Tibetan traditions are a joy to behold. Nobody asks you to create or change or accept. Tibetans accept all sentient beings as possible previous relatives, giving them an aura of love is not found often.
Enjoy!
Litang, Ganzi
Horse Racing Festival
The horse racing festival held in Gyantse generally performed either in May, June or July. Horse racing and archery began in Gyantse in 1408. During the festival which includes horse racing, archery and shooting on galloping horse can see what Tibetans have fun. Note that entertainment and picnicking usually go in for a few days after the party itself. Ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, and barter trade are all very entertaining for visitors. Check out more information on Ghantse attractions.
Popularly held in early August each year, the Festival of Litang Horse Racing in the south-western part of Ganzi, Litang is called the "High City" because its average altitude of 4133 meters. The Maoya pasture where the city and the festival are means "flat place and a bronze mirror" in the Tibetan language. However, the tradition of the festival is "around the mountain to pray" so that thousands of Tibetans hope to become your grass greener and just when the wildflowers are in full bloom over a period of 10 days with this wonderfully colorful festival. The popular outfit alone is more than the eye can sustain, with full of precious stones, gold and silver headdress. To celebrate the end of the harvest season, white tents dotting the lush green summer landscape, delicious flavor and yak butter tea are in abundance. Some even bring their best colorful tents, solar panels and adorned horses. Racehorses often wear scarlet colors, embroidered belts and saddles decorated bronze bells. There are various breeds such as trekking, horse riding, bush skills, long distance, and others, the most exciting being the driving skills when almost jump off their horses or hanging under the horse's belly upside down, or trying to shoot to the side with one hand to a target, or pick up a fairy, or standing in the back of a horse. These competitions are really stunning and breathtaking extravagance, not to be missed!
Not only are extravagant horse racing, cultural performances, Tibetan opera and Tibetan folk dancing and singing, fashion and food are a must-see event. It is standing room only, so get there early, get your tent set up, and take your best camera tripod. These pictures are worth framing.
Jyekundo (Yushu)
Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, Nakchu
Horse Race Festival
In July, colorful racing horses and riders come from all over Tibet to the ancient Tibetan city of Jyekundo / Yushu largest equestrian event in the world - the Yushu Horse Racing Festival. This traditional event dating back to the glorious kingdom of Kham.
Luckily these brokers do not come alone. In fantastically colorful attire, women can be more exciting than watching the horse races! The wonderful celebration of culture, music and dance begins with an ancient ritual religious sacrifice, a plant burning ceremony to honor the gods. The lama dance and prayers before the horse race begins is a rare treat. You will really enjoy monks dressed in their red and gold robes of the local monasteries meeting.
Riders with guns strapped across their shoulders and long knives dangling from their belts waste walk around the platform three times. Then the celebration really takes off. With teams of horses, dance, song, traditional sports, archery, shooting-assembled presentations fairy riding, trick riding, long distance racing, yak racing, special rituals and honor guards, this presentation is dazzling, a must for any visitor to Yushu. As Bartang pasture is dotted with thousands of white tents, families and royals Kham did for centuries, visitors can experience the amazing taste of this culture by staying in a nomad tent. There are hotels in the city, but are booked a year in advance, so make reservations early. Remember to carve out some time to enjoy the stunning limestone and sandstone cliffs while hiking along a pilgrimage route through Reshur Gou Valley near.
In August of each year there is a major festival celebrated in grassland in Nagqu Nakchu gold. Miles Shepherd riding their horses full of trade goods in Nagqu Horse Racing Festival. A city of tents set a village on the outskirts of temporal (north) of Nagqu entertainment, competition, horse trading, recreation and more. Locals call this area "Ka Yin Zhong Duo" pastures.
As tens of thousands of nomads gather to watch the thrilling horse race, archery and horsemanship other unusual demonstrations, visitors can mingle and "live" the culture of these fascinating people Tibetans.
Dance groups come from all over Tibet to what your best talent for their mesmerizing dance, opera and song. The opening ceremony will take your breath before being captivated by yak racing, horse racing, tug of war contests, rock-lifting competitions, SGOR-gzhas (Tibetan group dance) and more.
Celebrating the heroes of the Tibetan past, you will also enjoy the Tibetan drama performed during the festivities. However, Nagqu is truly one of the greatest of all horse racing festival in Tibet proper. During this week of celebration, take a break and enjoy Nam-Tso lake nearby. More information about Nagqu and this Nakchu.
TIBETAN RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AND FESTIVALS
Monlam Chenmo
(Great Prayer Festival)
It is the most colorful festival of Lhasa. Mönlam (als called the Great Prayer Festival of Lhasa). Monlam means "desire-way" - the Buddhist way of helping others through kind prayers. The Great Prayer Festival, from January 8 to 14 on the Tibetan calendar (sometime in February, please check), is the grandest religious festival in Tibet. It originated in a prayer meeting at Jokhang temple constructed by the honor Tsongkhapa, founder of Gelugpa Sect in 1409. Thousands of monks from far and near gather to perform rituals, songs, prayers, and theological debates examination of Geshe, a doctoral degree in Buddhist theology. Pilgrims come from all over to listen to sermons and prostration. The main purpose of the Great Prayer Festival is to pray for the long life of all holy Gurus of all traditions, for survival and propagation of the Dharma (the doctrine of Tibetan Buddhism) in the minds of all sentient beings, and to world peace.
During this important celebration, exciting festivals and entertainment ranging from dance, popular activities such as wrestling, weight pulling, horse racing and even tug-of-war. Every city and town celebrations put in well worth attending. Also known as the "Great Prayer Festival ', this is held midway through the first lunar month.
Also remember, this festival is also celebrated in the monastery of Kumbum a few kilometers from Xining. The Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery located in the town of Rushar about 30 minutes from Xining, was founded in 1560 to commemorate the birthplace of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism). It is also one of the six large lamasery practicing the Yellow Sect (Gelukpa) of Tibetan Buddhism.
UPDATE:
The Great Prayer Festival in Kumbum begins Feb.2, through February 12, 2009
The highlights:
February 8: masquerades (Dharmaraja Dances)
February 9: Butter Sculpture Display
An image of Maitreya from the Jokhang worn around the Barkhor, attracting enthusiastic crowds of locals, visitors and pilgrims. With happy faces all, it is a great way to bring in the Tibetan New Year!
TIBETAN NEW YEAR - LOSAR
Truly a great celebration, beginning on New Year's Day in Tibetan Tibetan Lunar Calendar homes will open with prayer, and then go get your first bucket of drinking water a year. In the morning people greet each other with good wishes as "Tashi Delek" (long life). Families gather for a celebration dinner, prayers and festivities.
To commemorate and celebrate the arrival of a new year and good luck, Losar is celebrated for 15 days during the months of December and January of the Tibetan calendar. The main celebrations take place in the first three days. On the first day of Losar, a beverage called Chhaang Changkol or a home made wine drank rice bowls. The second day of Losar is known as King's Losar. Losar is traditionally preceded by practice Vajrakilaya five days.
Vajrakilaya is one of the most popular deities when it comes to the destruction of obstacles. Vajrakilaya or Kila, means something sharp and something that pierces - a dagger, basically. A dagger that is so strong it can cut through anything, while at the same time nothing can pierce it. Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment through the practice of Heruka Yangdag, but first practiced Vajrakilaya to clean, or to clear obstacles, and then, through that, he got what he wanted to achieve. So Vajrakilaya known to clear obstacles.
The Losar festival is marked with numerous colorful activities including ancient rituals, Tibetan drama, offerings of incense, popular activities such as wrestling, shot put, wrestling war and horse races - Stage fighting between good and evil. The dance of the Ibex deer and the dramatic battles between the King and his ministers add to the joyous atmosphere. Tibetans dressed in their finery, gather your friends and family and enjoy prayer and celebration. This festival is full of music, dancing and merry-making. Truly this is the best time to be in Lhasa, and the best time for your budget, too.
Festival banish evil
On December 29 in the Tibetan calendar, Tibetans gather to drive away evil spirits. Although this type of activity is not unique to Tibet, made sorcerer's dance in monasteries is truly amazing. Tibetans around the land use that specific day to do a general cleaning throughout the house to get rid of bad luck last year, and sweep all the evil spirits out of the gate. There are prayers for new blessings during the day and every home will have a traditional dinner Guthuk. Flashlights and light incense and clean the courtyards and compounds. Howling is heard everywhere, all Tibetans praying aloud together for a new year free of evil spirits and misfortunes. If your guide is ready, this is a great opportunity to meet the family and experience this phenomenon locally. Check other festivals that take place in winter and plan your winter adventure.
Ganden Monastery Festival
On the 15th day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, during the Festival of Ganden, 25 precious articles belonging to Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, which is normally locked in their treasure house, are taken out and displayed in the main shrine hall . (Ensure that this monastery is still open -. Which was closed in 2008 by the Chinese authorities) These items consist of the images of the sixteen arhats, Aksobhya, the secret assembly, the four great kings, the image and hashang upasaka. A large offering ceremony accompanies the display and is very interesting to see all these treasures. Seeing the monks in their religious activities, so virtuous and genuine dedication, visitors often feel spiritually lifted.
Rekong Shaman Festival
Three hours of Xining, over a pass 12,000 feet is Tongren (Rekong in Tibetan). Passing through fields of yellow rapeseed flowers is impressive, but not nearly as exciting as this festival. Held at various times of the year, according to the Tibetan calendar, the temple hosts an extravagant Rekong religious celebration party-in-the-eyes. More than 100 dancers in colorful traditional attire and unusual silk and Tibetan otter fur boots fabulous perform a ritual for two days, motioning to the deity of the temple, Shachung to predict the future through two shamans.
Shamans wander among the crowds at the most unexpected moments, catching people with excessive drinking and scolded by many of the bad habits. To prove his point, shamans sometimes throw barley locals, ask others to stoke the fire with offerings of food and drink. The big smoke blowing out of the two fireplaces in a muted color harmony, creates huge clouds on the door of the temple, even the gods.
If you are looking to truly experience the Tibetan culture in his portrayal, this would be the winner. Still able to practice these rituals, the festival Rekong actively involved in their old beliefs and rituals. Come, be a witness, before all this is gone or become just a tourist show.
Interestingly, many Tibetan monasteries walls are covered with paintings and masks of ghosts and demons. For novice travelers, these deities belonging to the Tibetan Buddhism could be scary. Some masks have dark faces and ferocious teeth, horrible facial expressions, and are topped with miniature skulls and horns. It's not what it seems. The masks are used to scare away evil spirits when worn dancing monks and lamas during festival time.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that the arrival of Buddhism in the land transforms these menacing gods of the ancient Bon religion in benevolent protectors. So leave behind their western ideas and join in another world as a world traveler and observer, understanding that even though other traditions are odd, our traditions are odd to others. With this in mind, they observe these wonderful Tibetan traditions are a joy to behold. Nobody asks you to create or change or accept. Tibetans accept all sentient beings as possible previous relatives, giving them an aura of love is not found often.
Enjoy!
Litang, Ganzi
Horse Racing Festival
The horse racing festival held in Gyantse generally performed either in May, June or July. Horse racing and archery began in Gyantse in 1408. During the festival which includes horse racing, archery and shooting on galloping horse can see what Tibetans have fun. Note that entertainment and picnicking usually go in for a few days after the party itself. Ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, and barter trade are all very entertaining for visitors. Check out more information on Ghantse attractions.
Popularly held in early August each year, the Festival of Litang Horse Racing in the south-western part of Ganzi, Litang is called the "High City" because its average altitude of 4133 meters. The Maoya pasture where the city and the festival are means "flat place and a bronze mirror" in the Tibetan language. However, the tradition of the festival is "around the mountain to pray" so that thousands of Tibetans hope to become your grass greener and just when the wildflowers are in full bloom over a period of 10 days with this wonderfully colorful festival. The popular outfit alone is more than the eye can sustain, with full of precious stones, gold and silver headdress. To celebrate the end of the harvest season, white tents dotting the lush green summer landscape, delicious flavor and yak butter tea are in abundance. Some even bring their best colorful tents, solar panels and adorned horses. Racehorses often wear scarlet colors, embroidered belts and saddles decorated bronze bells. There are various breeds such as trekking, horse riding, bush skills, long distance, and others, the most exciting being the driving skills when almost jump off their horses or hanging under the horse's belly upside down, or trying to shoot to the side with one hand to a target, or pick up a fairy, or standing in the back of a horse. These competitions are really stunning and breathtaking extravagance, not to be missed!
Not only are extravagant horse racing, cultural performances, Tibetan opera and Tibetan folk dancing and singing, fashion and food are a must-see event. It is standing room only, so get there early, get your tent set up, and take your best camera tripod. These pictures are worth framing.
Jyekundo (Yushu)
Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, Nakchu
Horse Race Festival
In July, colorful racing horses and riders come from all over Tibet to the ancient Tibetan city of Jyekundo / Yushu largest equestrian event in the world - the Yushu Horse Racing Festival. This traditional event dating back to the glorious kingdom of Kham.
Luckily these brokers do not come alone. In fantastically colorful attire, women can be more exciting than watching the horse races! The wonderful celebration of culture, music and dance begins with an ancient ritual religious sacrifice, a plant burning ceremony to honor the gods. The lama dance and prayers before the horse race begins is a rare treat. You will really enjoy monks dressed in their red and gold robes of the local monasteries meeting.
Riders with guns strapped across their shoulders and long knives dangling from their belts waste walk around the platform three times. Then the celebration really takes off. With teams of horses, dance, song, traditional sports, archery, shooting-assembled presentations fairy riding, trick riding, long distance racing, yak racing, special rituals and honor guards, this presentation is dazzling, a must for any visitor to Yushu. As Bartang pasture is dotted with thousands of white tents, families and royals Kham did for centuries, visitors can experience the amazing taste of this culture by staying in a nomad tent. There are hotels in the city, but are booked a year in advance, so make reservations early. Remember to carve out some time to enjoy the stunning limestone and sandstone cliffs while hiking along a pilgrimage route through Reshur Gou Valley near.
In August of each year there is a major festival celebrated in grassland in Nagqu Nakchu gold. Miles Shepherd riding their horses full of trade goods in Nagqu Horse Racing Festival. A city of tents set a village on the outskirts of temporal (north) of Nagqu entertainment, competition, horse trading, recreation and more. Locals call this area "Ka Yin Zhong Duo" pastures.
As tens of thousands of nomads gather to watch the thrilling horse race, archery and horsemanship other unusual demonstrations, visitors can mingle and "live" the culture of these fascinating people Tibetans.
Dance groups come from all over Tibet to what your best talent for their mesmerizing dance, opera and song. The opening ceremony will take your breath before being captivated by yak racing, horse racing, tug of war contests, rock-lifting competitions, SGOR-gzhas (Tibetan group dance) and more.
Celebrating the heroes of the Tibetan past, you will also enjoy the Tibetan drama performed during the festivities. However, Nagqu is truly one of the greatest of all horse racing festival in Tibet proper. During this week of celebration, take a break and enjoy Nam-Tso lake nearby. More information about Nagqu and this Nakchu.
TIBETAN RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AND FESTIVALS
Monlam Chenmo
(Great Prayer Festival)
It is the most colorful festival of Lhasa. Mönlam (als called the Great Prayer Festival of Lhasa). Monlam means "desire-way" - the Buddhist way of helping others through kind prayers. The Great Prayer Festival, from January 8 to 14 on the Tibetan calendar (sometime in February, please check), is the grandest religious festival in Tibet. It originated in a prayer meeting at Jokhang temple constructed by the honor Tsongkhapa, founder of Gelugpa Sect in 1409. Thousands of monks from far and near gather to perform rituals, songs, prayers, and theological debates examination of Geshe, a doctoral degree in Buddhist theology. Pilgrims come from all over to listen to sermons and prostration. The main purpose of the Great Prayer Festival is to pray for the long life of all holy Gurus of all traditions, for survival and propagation of the Dharma (the doctrine of Tibetan Buddhism) in the minds of all sentient beings, and to world peace.
During this important celebration, exciting festivals and entertainment ranging from dance, popular activities such as wrestling, weight pulling, horse racing and even tug-of-war. Every city and town celebrations put in well worth attending. Also known as the "Great Prayer Festival ', this is held midway through the first lunar month.
Also remember, this festival is also celebrated in the monastery of Kumbum a few kilometers from Xining. The Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery located in the town of Rushar about 30 minutes from Xining, was founded in 1560 to commemorate the birthplace of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism). It is also one of the six large lamasery practicing the Yellow Sect (Gelukpa) of Tibetan Buddhism.
UPDATE:
The Great Prayer Festival in Kumbum begins Feb.2, through February 12, 2009
The highlights:
February 8: masquerades (Dharmaraja Dances)
February 9: Butter Sculpture Display
An image of Maitreya from the Jokhang worn around the Barkhor, attracting enthusiastic crowds of locals, visitors and pilgrims. With happy faces all, it is a great way to bring in the Tibetan New Year!
TIBETAN NEW YEAR - LOSAR
Truly a great celebration, beginning on New Year's Day in Tibetan Tibetan Lunar Calendar homes will open with prayer, and then go get your first bucket of drinking water a year. In the morning people greet each other with good wishes as "Tashi Delek" (long life). Families gather for a celebration dinner, prayers and festivities.
To commemorate and celebrate the arrival of a new year and good luck, Losar is celebrated for 15 days during the months of December and January of the Tibetan calendar. The main celebrations take place in the first three days. On the first day of Losar, a beverage called Chhaang Changkol or a home made wine drank rice bowls. The second day of Losar is known as King's Losar. Losar is traditionally preceded by practice Vajrakilaya five days.
Vajrakilaya is one of the most popular deities when it comes to the destruction of obstacles. Vajrakilaya or Kila, means something sharp and something that pierces - a dagger, basically. A dagger that is so strong it can cut through anything, while at the same time nothing can pierce it. Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment through the practice of Heruka Yangdag, but first practiced Vajrakilaya to clean, or to clear obstacles, and then, through that, he got what he wanted to achieve. So Vajrakilaya known to clear obstacles.
The Losar festival is marked with numerous colorful activities including ancient rituals, Tibetan drama, offerings of incense, popular activities such as wrestling, shot put, wrestling war and horse races - Stage fighting between good and evil. The dance of the Ibex deer and the dramatic battles between the King and his ministers add to the joyous atmosphere. Tibetans dressed in their finery, gather your friends and family and enjoy prayer and celebration. This festival is full of music, dancing and merry-making. Truly this is the best time to be in Lhasa, and the best time for your budget, too.
Festival banish evil
On December 29 in the Tibetan calendar, Tibetans gather to drive away evil spirits. Although this type of activity is not unique to Tibet, made sorcerer's dance in monasteries is truly amazing. Tibetans around the land use that specific day to do a general cleaning throughout the house to get rid of bad luck last year, and sweep all the evil spirits out of the gate. There are prayers for new blessings during the day and every home will have a traditional dinner Guthuk. Flashlights and light incense and clean the courtyards and compounds. Howling is heard everywhere, all Tibetans praying aloud together for a new year free of evil spirits and misfortunes. If your guide is ready, this is a great opportunity to meet the family and experience this phenomenon locally. Check other festivals that take place in winter and plan your winter adventure.
Ganden Monastery Festival
On the 15th day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, during the Festival of Ganden, 25 precious articles belonging to Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, which is normally locked in their treasure house, are taken out and displayed in the main shrine hall . (Ensure that this monastery is still open -. Which was closed in 2008 by the Chinese authorities) These items consist of the images of the sixteen arhats, Aksobhya, the secret assembly, the four great kings, the image and hashang upasaka. A large offering ceremony accompanies the display and is very interesting to see all these treasures. Seeing the monks in their religious activities, so virtuous and genuine dedication, visitors often feel spiritually lifted.
Rekong Shaman Festival
Three hours of Xining, over a pass 12,000 feet is Tongren (Rekong in Tibetan). Passing through fields of yellow rapeseed flowers is impressive, but not nearly as exciting as this festival. Held at various times of the year, according to the Tibetan calendar, the temple hosts an extravagant Rekong religious celebration party-in-the-eyes. More than 100 dancers in colorful traditional attire and unusual silk and Tibetan otter fur boots fabulous perform a ritual for two days, motioning to the deity of the temple, Shachung to predict the future through two shamans.
Shamans wander among the crowds at the most unexpected moments, catching people with excessive drinking and scolded by many of the bad habits. To prove his point, shamans sometimes throw barley locals, ask others to stoke the fire with offerings of food and drink. The big smoke blowing out of the two fireplaces in a muted color harmony, creates huge clouds on the door of the temple, even the gods.
If you are looking to truly experience the Tibetan culture in his portrayal, this would be the winner. Still able to practice these rituals, the festival Rekong actively involved in their old beliefs and rituals. Come, be a witness, before all this is gone or become just a tourist show.
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