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Festivals Of Tibet |
(1) Tibetan New Year
The greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient
times, when the peach trees were in blossom, it
was considered the start of a new year. Since
the systematization of the Tibetan calendar in
1027 AD, the first day of the first month became
fixed as the new year.
On New Year's day, families unite, an
"auspicious dinner" is offered, and the
auspicious words "Tashi Delek" are greeted.
(2) Great Prayer Festival
The greatest religious festival in Tibet.
Instituted by Tsongkapa in 1409, the founder of
the Gelukpa Sect. Monks from the Three Great
Monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jorkhang to
pray to Shakyamuni's image as if it were the
living Buddha. Philosophical debates are held
among candidates for the Doctorate of
Metaphysics. Pilgrims come from every corner of
Tibet and donations are offered to monks.
(3) Butter Lamp Festival
The last day of the Great Prayer Festival. In
order to celebrate Shakyamuni's victory over
non-Buddhist opponents, the Lord of Neu Dzong, a
noted patron of Tsongkapa, illuminated numerous
butter-lamps in 1409. The festival flourished
since.
(4) Gyantse Horse Race and Archery
Horse racing and archery are very popular in
Tibet, Contests in early times included horse
races, archery, and shooting on galloping
horse-back followed by a few days' entertainment
or picnicking. Presently, ball games, track and
field events, folk songs and dances, also form
part of the celebrations.
(5) The World Incense Day
Gods in heaven are believed to descend to the
mortal world on this day. Much incense is burnt
and picnics are prevalent in public parks.
(6) Six-Four Festival
Believed to be the day Buddha gave his first
sermon. People celebrate the festival by paying
visits to holy mountains.
(7) Shoton Festival
The Opera Festival and the greatest of festivals
in Tibet. In ancient times, pious people went
into mountain hermitages to do penance. On the
last day, yogurt is served as a meal followed by
folk songs and dances. Since the 7th century,
opera performances have been held in Norbulingka.
Presently, opera contests and the distribution
of prizes last for seven days.
(8) Bathing Week
It is believed when the sacred planet Venus
appears in the sky, the water in the river
becomes purest and can cure diseases. During its
appearance for the first week all townspeople in
Lhasa go to the river for bathing.
(9) Death of Tsongkapa
Tsongkapa, the great reformer of Tibetan
Buddhism and founder of the Gelugpa Sect, died
on this day in 1419. In memory of that day,
every household burns countless butter-lamps on
roof-tops and chant prayers in his honor. Late
in the evening Tibetan dumplings are served for
supper.
(10) Driving Off Evil Spirits
At the eve of Tibetan New Year, 29th of the
twelfth month, religious dances are performed in
monasteries for driving off the evil spirits of
the past year. At night, in every household,
traditional means of driving off evil spirits
are carried out by burning bundles of straw and
throwing rubbish on to the streets. The Year-End
Dumpling is served for supper.
(11) Saga Dawa
It is the holiest day in Tibet. Three memorable
occasions coincide on this day: Buddha's birth,
Buddha's death and Buddha's enlightenment.
Almost every person within Lhasa joins in
circumambulations around the city and spend the
late afternoon on picnicking at "Dzongyab
Lukhang" near the Potala Palace.. |
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