|
Tibetan
Traditional Festival |
|
Tibetan New Year |
08
Feb-1997 |
This
is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times when the peach
tree was in blossom, this was considered
the beginning of the new year. Since the systematization of
the Tibetan calendar in 1027 AD, the first day of the first month
became fixed as New
Year’s Day. On New
Years Day, families unite, “ auspicious dipper” is offered and
the auspicious words “ Tashi Delek” are greeted. |
|
Great Prayer Festival |
10-25Feb-1997 |
This
is the greatest religious festival in Tibet. Instituted by Tsongkpa
in 1409, the founder of the Gelukpa sect. Monks from the Three Great
Monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for prayer to Shakyamuni’s
image as if it is were the living Buddha. Philosophical debates are
held among candidates for the doctor of Metaphysis. Pilgrims come
from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to the monks. |
|
Butter-Lamp Festival |
22
Feb-1997 |
It
is the last day of the Great prayer festival. In order to celebrate
Shakyamuni’s victory over non-Buddhist opponents, the Lord of New
Dzong, a noted patron of Tsongpa, illuminated numerous butter-lamps
in 1409. Ever since then the festival flourished. |
|
Gyantse Horse Race and Archery |
25
Mar-8Jun-1997 |
Horse
racing and archery are generally popular in Tibet, and Gyantse
enjoys the prestige of being the earliest in history by starting in
1408. Contests in the early times included horse racing, archery and
shooting on gallop followed by a few days’ entertainment and
picnicking. Today ball games, track and field events, folk singing,
dancing are enjoyed. |
|
The
world Incense Day |
20
Jun -1997 |
God
in heaven is believed to descend to the mortal world on this day.
Incense is burnt in large scales and picnicking is enjoyed in the
public parks. |
|
Six-Four festival |
7
Aug-1997 |
It
is believed the Buddha gave his first sermon on this day. People
celebrate this festival by paying visits to holy mountains. |
|
“Shoton” Festival |
1-7
Sept-1997 |
It
is the opera festival and greatest of festivals in Tibet. In ancient
times pious people went into mountain hermitages to do penance
and on the last day yogurt is served followed by
entertainment of folk singing and dancing. Since the 7th century,
opera performances were held for days in Norbu Lingkha, opera
contests and the distribution of prizes is held for seven days. |
|
Driving off Evil Spirits Festival |
6
Jun-1997 |
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 every household
traditional means of driving of evil spirits is carried on by
burning bundles of straws and throwing rubbish on crossroad.
“Year -end dumpling” is served for supper. |
|
Saga Dawa |
May/Jun |
It
is the holiest day in Tibet. Three memorable occasions coincide on
this day: Buddha’s birth, death
and enlightenment. Almost every person within Lhasa join in
circumambulations round the city and spend their late afternoon on
picnic at “ Dzongyab Lakhang” park at the rear of Potala. |
|
Bathing Week |
It
is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky the
water in the river becomes purest and con cure diseases. During its
appearance for one week in the sky all townspeople 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
honour. Late in the evening Tibetan dumpling is served for supper. |