The rich cultural heritage of Tibet has lent many colorful festivals that take place during different times of the year. The Tibetan calendar is adorned with festivals celebrating various aspects of life, spirituality, nature and for commemorating religious occasions. If you are about to visit the region, doing so during an ongoing festival is a great idea.
It is important to keep in mind that the Tibetan calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar. The 1st month of the Tibetan calendar falls during February of the Gregorian solar calendar. Take a look at festivals mention below and what they signify.
The key festivals of Tibet are –
- Losar – The Tibetan Buddhism New Year festival is known as Losar. It falls generally on February or March of the Gregorian calendar. The festivities associated with Losar go on for 15 days, giving Tibetan Buddhists ample time to rejoice the arrival of the New Year. Numerous elaborate drama performances, carnivals, and public events are held for a week from the start of the festival. It is a festival for expressing gratitude to the deities and the elements of nature.
- Monlam – Also known as The Great Prayer Festival, Monlam is another significant Tibetan festival. It takes place between the 4th and 11th day of the 1st Tibetan Buddhism calendar month. It was started by the famous teacher Je Tsongkhapa during the Gregorian year 1409. Numerous pilgrims offer prayers at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
- Saga Dawa – Saga Dawa is a festival that commemorates the day on which the Gautama Buddha or Shakyamuni was born, reached the state of Enlightenment, and attained Nirvana. Hence it is of immense importance to every Tibetan Buddhist. This festival is held during the 15th day of the fourth Tibetan calendar month. People make religious donations, go on pilgrimages and contribute to societal welfare during the month of Saga Dawa.
- Chunga Choepa – Chunga Choepa or the Butter Lamp Festival is held during the 15th day of the Tibetan calendar’s first month. It is held for remembering the triumph of Gautama Buddha against religious rivals, an event that had happened more than two millennia ago. This important event is commemorated by lighting thousands of butter lamps and making sculptures of Lord Buddha.
These are some festivals you can experience during your guided Tibetan tour with us.