1. Losar Festival
Losar is one of the most important festivals in Tibet, marking the beginning of the new year according to the Tibetan calendar. This is not only a time to welcome the new year but also an occasion for people to perform traditional rituals to ward off evil spirits and pray for good luck.
The Losar festival usually lasts for about 15 days, with the first three days being the most important. On New Year’s Eve, Tibetan families perform rituals of burning incense and offering food to the gods to pray for a peaceful new year. On the morning of the first day, people dress in traditional costumes, visit each other and exchange good wishes. Monasteries also hold solemn rituals such as chanting, parades and masked dance performances to ward off evil spirits.
The atmosphere of Losar festival is filled with joy with family feasts, singing and dancing activities and exciting horse races. This is an occasion for Tibetans to pay respect to their ancestors and gods, and it is also an opportunity for tourists to deeply experience the unique culture of this sacred land.
2. Shoton Festival
The Shoton Festival is one of the most prominent festivals in Tibet, combining religious elements and performing arts. This festival usually takes place around late June or early July according to the Tibetan calendar, lasting for several days with a series of exciting activities.
The highlight of the Shoton Festival is the unveiling of a giant thangka painting at Drepung Monastery. Thousands of devotees and visitors gather at the monastery early in the morning to witness the unveiling of the thangka. The thangka is usually tens of meters high, hand-painted in vibrant colors, depicting the image of Buddha.
In addition to religious ceremonies, the Shoton Festival is also an opportunity for people to enjoy traditional art performances, especially Tibetan opera. Art troupes from all over Tibet will gather in Lhasa to perform colorful plays, reenacting folk tales and Buddhist scriptures. Parks and squares in the city also become spaces for people to have picnics, drink butter tea and enjoy the exciting festival atmosphere.
3. Saga Dawa Festival
Saga Dawa is one of the most important Tibetan festivals for Buddhists, as it commemorates three major events in the life of Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing away. The festival usually falls in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, lasting the entire month, with special religious activities.
During Saga Dawa, Tibetans perform prayer rituals and walk around monasteries and stupas to accumulate merit. At Mount Kailash, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, thousands of pilgrims from around the world gather to perform the kora ritual – walking clockwise around the mountain to show respect.
One of the most important rituals during Saga Dawa is the changing of the prayer flag pole at the foot of Mount Kailash. Hundreds of monks and devotees will come together to erect a new flag pole, hanging thousands of prayer flags in the hope of bringing peace and happiness to all living beings. The atmosphere of the festival is filled with solemnity and reverence, making anyone who attends feel a deep spiritual connection.
4. Ganden Thangka Festival
Ganden Thangka Festival is one of the festivals in Tibet with deep religious significance, taking place on the 15th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan calendar at Ganden Monastery. This is an occasion for Buddhists to show their respect to Buddha and the great monk Je Tsongkhapa - the founder of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The highlight of the Ganden Thangka festival is the ritual of displaying a giant thangka, elaborately woven with the image of Buddha Shakyamuni. Thousands of devotees will gather at the monastery from early morning, bringing offerings to make offerings and pray before the thangka. As the painting is unfolded on the mountainside, prayers resound, creating a sacred and emotional scene.
In addition to the thangka display, the Ganden Thangka Festival also includes chanting, parades, and food distribution to the poor. This is an opportunity for Tibetans to perform good deeds, accumulate merit, and spread the spirit of compassion of Buddhism.
5. Bathing Festival
The Bathing Festival is one of the most unique festivals in Tibet, taking place in the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar. During the festival, people believe that the river water at this time is blessed by the gods and has the ability to purify the body and soul.
Tibetans will go down to the river together to bathe, wash clothes and perform purification rituals. They believe that the water during this time can help ward off diseases, bring good luck and good health. The festive atmosphere is extremely joyful, as people sing, dance and enjoy peaceful days by the sacred water.
The Bathing Festival is not only a religious ceremony but also a reflection of the Tibetan people’s spirit of community. It is an opportunity for people to share joy, connect with nature and express gratitude for the precious water resources that nature has provided.
Festivals in Tibet not only have spiritual significance but also provide visitors with an opportunity to explore more deeply the culture and customs of the Tibetan people. Each festival has its own unique features, reflecting the steadfast spirit, respect and love of nature of the people here. If you have the opportunity to visit Tibet, experience these festivals to feel the unique beauty of the most sacred land in the world.
Source: https://travel.com.vn/tin-tuc-du-lich/le-hoi-o-tay-tang-v16715.aspx
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