|
Tibetan
New Year |
08 Feb-1997
07 Feb-1998
17 Feb-1999
06 Feb-2000 |
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
01-15Feb-1998 19F.-5M.-1999
8-21 Feb-2000 |
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
21 Mar-1998
2 Mar-1999
19 Feb-2000 |
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
13-27 Jun-1998
2-16 Jun-1999
19 Jun-3 Jul-2000 |
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
9 Jul-1998
28 Jun-1999
16 Jul-2000 |
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
26 Jul-1998
16 Jul-1999
3 Aug-2000 |
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
22-28 Aug-1998
11-25 Aug-1999
19Aug-4 Sep-2000 |
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
25 Feb-1998
15 Feb-1999
4 Feb-2000 |
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. |
