Tibetan Festival 2008,Horse Racing Festival 2008,Tibet Festival 2008,Shoton Festival, Xuedun Festival,festival in Tibet,Tibetan Opera Festival,Major Festivals in Tibet----EliteChinaTravel.com

Major Festivals in Tibet
Tibetan New Year: The current Tibetan calendar started in 1027. Tibetan New Year is one of the most important festivals, a time for family reunions and to convey greetings and best wishes for the coming new year.

The Monlam Festival: The Monlam Festival, lasting from the 1st - 15th day of the first month of the lunar year, is the largest religious gathering in Tibet. Tsongkhapa, founder of the Yellow Sect Buddhists introduced the festival in 1409. During the festival, lamas from the three Largest monasteries gather in Jokhang to recite scriptures and attend an examination for the Gexi degree.

Butter Lamp Festival: This lantern show is held on the evening of the 15th day of the first lunar month. To honor the memory of Sakyamuni, butter sculptures of figures, flowers, birds and animals are displayed along Barkhor Street. People sing and dance in great joy throughout the night.

The Birth of the Buddha: The 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar is said to be the birthday of Sakyamuni, and also the day when he died and attained Nirvana. During this period, hundreds of thousands of people turn the prayer wheels in the streets of Lhasa, and then paddle boats in Dragon King Pool, followed by singing and dancing in the afternoon.

Horse Racing Festival, Gyangze: Horse racing and archery are very popular in Tibet. Horseracing appeared in the form of a sport in 1408. Apart from horse racing, standing achery and archery on horseback during the festival, there are also many cultural and commercial activities.

Chugbacexi Festival: Buddhists in Tibet believe this is the first day that Sakyamuni preached. During the festival, people are at their politest. They worship and recite scriptures in the monasteries on the mountains near Lhasa, and sing and dance until the sun sets.

Yalong Cultural Festival: The Yalong Cultural Festival is one of the important components of Tibetan culture. The festival includes national sports games, folk dances, Tibetan opera and Tibetan dress shows, aiming at demonstrating the brilliance of the Tibetan culture and the new life of the Tibetan people today.

Xuedun Festival: The Xuedun (Fermented Milk) Festival is another of the major festivals in Tibet. In the past, Buddhists cultivated themselves in mountains. After the cultivation, their family would come, bringing with them fermented milk. On their way home, they drank the milk, sang and danced. In the 17th century, the Xuedun Festival was renamed the Tibetan Opera Festival. Every year, famous Tibetan opera troupes perform in Norpulingkha, near Lhasa.

Qiangtang Kyagqen Horse Racing Festival: During this festival, the grandest gathering in the fall on the Northern Plain in Tibet, herdsmen pour into Nagqu, and live in tents, which stretch for miles. There are various activities, such as horse racing, archery, horsemanship, and craft fairs.

Damgyiru Festival: This festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in Damxung County, Lhasa. The activities include craft fairs, horse racing, archery contests, horsemanship and singing and dancing performances.
Ghost-Exorcising Festival: To drive away evil spirits and welcome the New Year, the Ghost-Exorcising Festival is held on the 29th day of the 12th month in the Potala palace, Lhasa. Such activities as sorcerers dancing in a trance are also held in monasteries in Tibet.

The Bathing Festival: The Festival is held in the 7th month of the Tibetan calendar and lasts for 7 days from 6 to 12. This is the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall with moderate breezes and sunshine on the Plateau. Tibetans. Both old and young, man and women, from towns, countryside and pastoral areas, go to rivers to take a holy bath. It is said to be able to heal diseases and keep you fit.

Ongkor Festival: This is a holiday for Tibetans, who are looking forward to harvest. It is usually celebrated when crops are ripe, and lasts 3 – 5 days. People dress up, hold colorful flags with good wishes and carry a "harvest tower" built with barley stalks and ears. They sing and dance, beat drums and gongs, and walk around the fields. On this day, people enjoy horseracing, etc. Then they begin the intense Fall harvest.

The Fairy Maiden Festival: Every 15th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar is the Fairy Maiden Festival. Lots of religious activities are held. Tibetan women regard it as their own holiday, so they are more active and energetic than the men.

Paying Homage to the Holy Mountain Festival: The 4th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan calendar is a religious festival for the front Tibetan area. It is believed to be the day Sakyamuni first preached a sermon with a prayer wheel. On this day, people go to monasteries and temples to pay their homage to Buddha, to light incense and to circumambulate holy mountains; they have picnics and enjoy themselves with singing and dancing in the fields.

City Guide

China Highlights Tours

moreChina Hotels